MyPillow Guy Mike Lindell has suffered a significant legal setback, losing a defamation suit against a Dominion Voting Systems worker. A Colorado jury ruled on Monday that Mike Lindell, the owner of MyPillow, was liable for defaming Eric Coomer, a former security and product strategy director at Dominion Voting Systems. The verdict resulted in Lindell being ordered to pay Coomer $2.3 million in damages, awarded in Denver. Coomer’s legal team successfully argued that Lindell’s repeated claims were based on lies or reckless disregard for the truth. Specifically, Lindell utilized his social media platform, FrankSpeech, to falsely label Coomer a traitor, alleging that Dominion’s voting equipment was used to manipulate the 2020 presidential election results in favor of Joe Biden, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked. Despite the lack of credible evidence supporting these accusations, Lindell persisted in promoting these unsubstantiated rumors during the trial. Notably, the case lacked expert testimony to bolster Lindell’s arguments, highlighting the weakness of his claims.
The lawsuit stemmed from a sustained campaign by Lindell to discredit Dominion Voting Systems and the integrity of the 2020 election. The defamation accusations significantly disrupted Coomer’s life, as detailed during the two-week trial. Coomer sought damages to compensate for the emotional distress and harm caused by Lindell’s relentless attacks. Lindell’s legal defense attempted to distance him from the statements broadcast on FrankSpeech, arguing that he was simply expressing his concerns about voting technology. However, the jury ultimately found otherwise. Adding to the complexity, Lindell’s financial situation has been precarious, with estimates suggesting he incurred approximately $10 million in debt due to his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
Prior to this legal battle, Lindell publicly stated he was worth $60 million. The legal landscape surrounding the 2020 election has been marked by numerous lawsuits, with significant consequences for prominent figures like Lindell. Notably, Fox News reached a settlement of $787 million in a similar defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems, avoiding a protracted trial. Conversely, Lindell’s own lawsuit against Dominion in 2021 was dismissed by a court in 2022, deemed ‘frivolous.’ LindellTV, Lindell’s media outlet, extensively covered the defamation case, branding it the “Trial of the Century.”
The case underscores the serious legal ramifications of making unsubstantiated claims, particularly when targeting individuals involved in election administration. The outcome reflects a growing recognition of the importance of factual accuracy and responsible speech, especially in the context of contested electoral processes. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the potential consequences of spreading misinformation and the need for rigorous scrutiny of claims related to democratic elections.
