Why Smartmatic Wants the ‘Secret’ Murdoch Family Case to Re-Open

The Murdoch family is no stranger to power struggles and controversy. Rupert Murdoch built their media empire, which is one of the most influential in the world. Recently, a secret family court battle over succession caught the attention of another high-profile player: Smartmatic, the voting machine company suing Fox News over 2020 election lies. The company wants the case opened, claiming it holds key evidence for its massive defamation lawsuit.

At the heart of this intriguing showdown is the Nevada probate court, where Rupert Murdoch and his children have been battling over who will control the future of their right-wing media conglomerate. The fallout from this case could have far-reaching consequences. Not just for the Murdochs, but also for Fox News, Smartmatic, and even public trust in media.

Why the Murdoch Family’s Internal Battle Matters

The Murdoch family’s influence extends far beyond its internal feuds. Rupert Murdoch, now 93, has been at the helm of a media empire that includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and more. This empire has shaped global politics and culture for decades. But with Murdoch’s age and health in question, the battle for control has intensified.

GTN / Recently, Rupert attempted to modify the family’s irrevocable trust, aiming to give his son Lachlan sole control of Fox Corporation.

Lachlan, known for his conservative views, was Murdoch’s clear favorite to maintain the network’s right-wing stance. However, the probate court in Reno blocked this move, insisting that power should remain shared among all four Murdoch siblings as originally planned.

Meanwhile, Smartmatic believes these sealed court documents could contradict Fox’s claims in its defamation defense. Fox has argued that its editorial decisions are independent of its corporate leadership. Yet, if the Nevada case reveals that Rupert has been pushing Lachlan to steer Fox politically, it could bolster Smartmatic’s case.

Smartmatic’s Push to Open the Records

Smartmatic’s defamation suit against Fox News revolves around false claims that the company rigged the 2020 election to favor Joe Biden. These claims, made by Fox hosts and guests, have been debunked, but they caused significant harm to Smartmatic’s reputation and business.

Now, Smartmatic is pushing to pry open the Murdoch family’s court records, filing motions in Nevada to gain access to sealed depositions and testimony. The company believes these documents could expose inconsistencies in Fox’s legal arguments, particularly regarding the role of the Murdoch family in influencing the network’s content.

What Does This Mean for Fox News?

Fox News has already faced substantial fallout from its 2020 election coverage. Last year, Dominion Voting Systems, another voting technology company, settled its defamation case against Fox for a staggering $787 million. That case never made it to trial. But it highlighted the network’s vulnerability in such lawsuits.

CNN / As Dominion Voting Systems settled its defamation case against Fox News for $787M, experts warn that Smartmatic might do the same. And the Murdoch family case will be a plus for the voting technology.

Smartmatic’s case, set to go to trial next year in New York, represents another major challenge. If the Nevada documents reveal that the Murdoch family has directly influenced Fox News’ editorial direction, it could undermine Fox’s defense and strengthen Smartmatic’s claims.

Cracks in the Family

The Murdoch family’s secretive approach to their succession battle contrasts sharply with the public nature of their media empire. For years, Rupert Murdoch has controlled his businesses with a firm hand. But this court battle exposes cracks in the family’s unity.

The decision to keep the case in Reno’s probate court, away from the public eye, suggests the family is aware of the high stakes. Yet, Smartmatic’s efforts to unseal these documents could drag their private conflicts into the spotlight. It could create a media frenzy and potentially influence the outcome of both the family feud and the defamation case.