WILMINGTON, Del. – Fox Corp. and its cable networks agreed Tuesday to pay $787.5 million to Dominion Voting Techniques to settle a defamation lawsuit over false claims that Dominion’s machines swayed the end result of the 2020 presidential election.

The settlement, which got here after a 12-member jury had been seated for trial within the case in Delaware Superior Courtroom, averted a weeks-long trial that would have seen high Fox TV hosts and community boss Rupert Murdoch publicly testify.

The deal was struck as opening arguments had been delayed for hours amid hypothesis that the events had been discussing a decision of the case.

Phrases of the settlement weren’t instantly identified.

“The events have resolved this case,” Choose Eric Davis advised jurors and 12 alternates shortly earlier than 4 p.m. ET.

“With out you, the events wouldn’t have been in a position to resolve their scenario … though it is quick, not the six weeks you’ve got anticipated, you will have achieved your responsibility,” Davis stated.

“The case has been resolved.”

The swimsuit by Dominion, which sells voting machines and election software program, had argued that Fox Information and its sister community Fox Enterprise “deliberately and falsely” blamed Dominion for the 2020 lack of former President Donald Trump to President Joe Biden by airing unsubstantiated claims concerning the firm.

Fox had stated in court docket filings that its hosts’ statements about Dominion had been protected by the First Modification. The corporate additionally stated Dominion had not proven that the statements had been made with so-called precise malice, which is the edge for civil defamation claims.

Attorneys for Fox stated nothing as they left court docket when requested for remark.

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