Murdoch admits Fox News knew its election claims were 'false'

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View online February 28, 2023 1/ Rupert Murdoch admits Fox News stars 'endorsed' bogus election fraud claims Rupert Murdoch admitted during a sworn deposition that top personalities at Fox News promoted a baseless narrative that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump, according to a recent filing in a voting machine company's billion-dollar lawsuit against the network.   The chair of the right-wing media empire said that hosts including Maria Bartiromo, Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro "endorsed at times this false notion of a stolen election," claims that the former president and his allies continue to amplify as he seeks re-election to office in 2024.   "I would have liked us to be stronger in denouncing it in hindsight," Mr Murdoch said, according to court documents.   His remarks follow a revealing 192-page filing in Dominion Voting Systems' $1.6bn defamation lawsuit against the network, a bombshell document that compiles testimony and messages from Fox News employees that piece together how the network aired evidence-free claims about election "irregularities" to keep viewers enthralled with conspiracy theories against their own private admissions that, in their words, were "nonsense" and "bull****". 2/ Elon Musk regains spot as richest person in world with $187.1bn net worth Billionaire lost title last year as Tesla shares dipped 3/ Alex Murdaugh's defence rests case in disgraced attorney's double murder trial Mr Murdaugh's younger brother John Marvin Murdaugh was the final witness for the defence, bringing to an end the week-long case 4/ Jan 6 suspect known as 'Sedition Panda' is arrested 'He was among the first approximately twenty rioters to enter [Parliamentary door] after it was breached,' FBI affidavit states 5/ Andrew Tate held for third month in Romanian prison after losing latest appeal 'They weaponise lies to keep me in here. But you cannot hide the sun forever,' he tweeted after losing latest appeal Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. The Big Question Who are the attorneys and judge in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial? Disgraced legal scion Alex Murdaugh is currently on trial for the grisly double murder of his wife Maggie and son Paul, who were found shot dead at the family's sprawling estate in Islandton, South Carolina, on 7 June 2021.   The husband and father – who comes from a long line of prominent attorneys in South Carolina – is accused of shooting Paul twice with a shotgun and Maggie five times with an AR-15-style rifle. Prosecutors claim that he was motivated by desperation to distract from his string of alleged financial crimes, which were on the brink of being exposed.   For years, the Murdaughs reigned over the local justice system and mingled in powerful circles. Now, the brutal double murders have brought to light a series of scandals surrounding Mr Murdaugh including unexplained deaths, a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme and a botched hitman plot – in a sprawling saga that touches many across the low country. Here are some of the key players in the case. Read the full story > Watch/ Motorhomes float away in California river after heavy rains NUMBER OF THE DAY $187.1bn – Elon Musk's net worth, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which places him back at the top of the list of the world's richest people. QUOTE OF THE DAY "We believe that this will help improve the prosperity of both the EU and the UK and will open up all kinds of new avenues for trade that were somewhat at risk." – US national security council spokesperson John Kirby hails the new deal between the UK and EU to resolve post-Brexit trading issues concerning Northern Ireland, tensions around which had threatened to jeopardise the peace secured by the landmark Good Friday Agreement of 1998.  We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE Other stories you might like From war crimes, to spies and cyberattacks: Ukraine's domestic spy chief on fighting Russia across all fronts How Stockholm Syndrome got its name — and why you shouldn't believe in it Governor Mike Dewine 'injured' on East Palestine tour as calls mount for his resignation Articles available exclusively to subscribers Donald MacIntyre - Netanyahu courted the far-right – and it has led down a reckless path OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now Simon Calder's Travel Week Every Friday, 7am (UK time) Written by Simon Calder Join now Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now Simon Calder's Travel Week Every Friday, 7am (UK time) Written by Simon Calder Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. 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