In a landmark legal deposition, Lachlan Murdoch, the executive chair of Fox Corporation, has conceded that Fox News was aware its broadcasts promoting false claims of a stolen 2020 US presidential election were unfounded. The testimony, given in November 2024, forms a critical part of the evidence in the ongoing $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems.
Under Oath: Acknowledging the Baseless Narrative
The court documents, which became public this week, reveal Murdoch's stark admissions. When questioned by Dominion's lawyers, he agreed that key figures at Fox News, including top-rated hosts, understood the allegations of widespread voter fraud involving Dominion's machines were without merit. This directly contradicts the network's longstanding public defence that it was merely reporting on newsworthy claims made by then-President Donald Trump and his legal team.
Murdoch's deposition details internal communications and concerns that circulated among Fox's leadership in the turbulent weeks following the election. Despite these private doubts, the network continued to air segments that amplified the stolen election narrative, which Dominion argues severely damaged its business reputation. The lawsuit alleges that Fox acted with "actual malice", a key legal threshold for defamation, meaning it knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
The Legal and Financial Stakes for Fox Corporation
The fallout from this admission is potentially catastrophic for the media giant. The $2.7 billion damages claim represents an existential threat, with the trial scheduled to proceed. Legal analysts suggest Murdoch's testimony significantly weakens Fox's position, making a settlement before trial more likely, though potentially at an enormous cost.
Beyond the immediate financial peril, the revelations strike at the heart of Fox News's credibility and its relationship with its audience. The network has long positioned itself as a trusted source for its conservative viewers. This testimony, however, paints a picture of a leadership that privately dismissed the very claims it was broadcasting publicly. The scandal has also reignited debates about media accountability, ethical journalism, and the spread of misinformation for ratings and political alignment.
Broader Implications for Media and Democracy
The case transcends a simple corporate legal battle. It serves as a high-profile examination of the powerful role media conglomerates play in shaping public discourse and democratic processes. The evidence suggests business decisions—driven by fear of losing viewers to rival right-wing outlets—overrode journalistic standards.
For the UK media landscape and observers, the Fox-Dominion case is a stark cautionary tale. It highlights the profound consequences when entertainment and partisan allegiance are prioritised over factual reporting. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a powerful precedent, potentially influencing how news organisations globally handle unverified claims, especially those with the capacity to undermine electoral integrity.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes will be on whether other senior Fox figures, including Rupert Murdoch, will be called to testify. The deposition from Lachlan Murdoch has already provided a damning glimpse behind the curtain, with lasting repercussions for one of the world's most influential media empires.
