A federal judge in Minnesota ruled Friday that MyPillow founder Mike Lindell defamed the election technology company Smartmatic by “falsely alleging” its machines rigged the 2020 presidential election.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan said Smartmatic proved the statements were false but left for later whether Lindell acted with actual malice, which the company must show to win damages. The judge cited genuine fact disputes over whether Lindell knew his claims were false, noting the defense says he holds an unwavering belief in them.
The case focuses on Los Angeles County, where Lindell alleged the company’s machines flipped Trump votes to Biden. Bryan found Lindell made 51 “false” claims in documentaries, media appearances, and speeches, writing, “No reasonable trier of fact could find that any of the statements at issue are true.”
Smartmatic attorney Erik Connolly said the company will seek “nine-figure damages.” Lindell called the ruling “the most bizarre thing I’ve ever heard,” labeled Smartmatic “one of the most corrupt companies in the world,” and vowed to keep fighting to replace voting machines with paper ballots, saying he’ll take the battle to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
Lindell says he is nearly ready to launch a bid for Minnesota governor, announcing he has re-established residency in the state after living in Texas. Lindell said he has commissioned polls against Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and other GOP contenders and is “about 99%” decided on entering the race.
Sources: CBS News / The Minnesota Star Tribune
