Federal Judge Rules Mike Lindell Defamed Smartmatic with False 2020 Election Claims

A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, defamed the election technology company Smartmatic by making false claims that its voting machines rigged the 2020 presidential election.

“Small Business MyPillow also could be liable for aiding “tortious conduct” by the potential Minnesota gubernatorial candidate, a federal judge found”

Star Tribune

The judge identified 51 instances where Lindell made these false statements, particularly focusing on Smartmatic’s machines in Los Angeles County.

Star Tribune

This ruling is part of a broader legal battle where Smartmatic is seeking nine-figure damages, asserting that Lindell spread lies about the company.

The judge, however, postponed deciding whether Lindell acted with "actual malice," a necessary element for Smartmatic to obtain damages, due to ongoing factual disputes about Lindell’s intent.

The judge's decision to defer ruling on the "actual malice" aspect is crucial, as it determines whether Smartmatic can secure damages.

This aspect of the case hinges on whether Lindell knowingly spread false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

SSBCrack

Lindell has maintained that he genuinely believed his statements were true, which complicates the determination of malice.

Smartmatic's legal strategy involves proving that Lindell's actions were not just false but malicious, a standard that requires clear evidence of intent to harm.

Smartmatic's legal actions against Lindell are part of a broader strategy to hold individuals and media outlets accountable for spreading false information about the 2020 election.

“A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that MyPillow founder Mike Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic by falsely claiming its voting machines helped rig the 2020 presidential election Judge rules ‘MyPillow Guy’ Mike Lindell defamed Smartmatic with false claims on voting machinesBy STEVE KARNOWSKIAssociated PressThe Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — MyPillow founder Mike Lindell defamed the election technology company Smartmatic with false statements that its voting machines helped rig the 2020 presidential election, a federal judge in Minnesota ruled Friday”

breitbart

The company has already secured settlements with several conservative media outlets and continues its litigation against Fox News.

This case against Lindell is significant not only for its potential financial implications but also for its impact on public discourse about election integrity and misinformation.

Lindell's response to the ruling has been one of defiance.

He has dismissed the judge's decision as bizarre and has vowed to continue his fight against electronic voting machines.

rawstory

He is prepared to appeal to the Supreme Court if necessary.

This stance reflects Lindell's ongoing commitment to his claims about election fraud despite legal setbacks.

He has faced previous defamation losses involving Dominion Voting Systems.