His Lawsuit Could Devastate Fox News — If He Survives the PR Battle

David Gergen : CEO of voting-machine firm Smartmatic may have to lean into a totally different set of ugly stories.

Gergen says Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica is due in court early next year for a case against Fox News , which Smartmatic is suing for $2.7 billion over alleged false claims related to Donald Trump’s loss.

He says Fox 's PR team knows that defamation suits are premised on the idea that plaintiff actually has a good name that can be besmirched.

Smartmatic executives were indicted in the Philippines for allegedly paying $1 million to the head of the country’s election commission.

The company wasn’t indicted, but the alleged crime still looks sleazy — in just the way you’d want for a defense lawyer who needs to beat back Smartmatic claims that its reputation was damaged.

“I’m very confident that my executives are going to clear their names”.

Smartmatic is demanding $2.7 billion for economic and reputational damages.

Fox News has denied defaming anyone, and says free speech could be damaged by a lawsuit against a news organization that was merely reporting on allegations.

John Sutter : Smartmatic's CEO says the falsehoods dried up opportunities after the firm had invested millions in growth.