WILMINGTON, Del. – Fox Corp. and its cable networks agreed Tuesday to pay $787.5 million to Dominion Voting Programs 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 might have seen high Fox TV hosts and community boss Rupert Murdoch publicly testify.

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

Phrases of the settlement weren’t instantly recognized.

“The events have resolved this case,” Choose Eric Davis instructed 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 state of affairs … though it is quick, not the six weeks you’ve got anticipated, you might have achieved your responsibility,” Davis mentioned.

“The case has been resolved.”

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

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

This story is creating. Please examine again for updates.