Key Takeaways:
- MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s lawyers are not arguing the truth of his election-rigging claims in court.
- The case focuses on whether Lindell believed his statements were true when he made them.
- Former voting machine executive Eric Coomer is suing Lindell for defamation.
- Coomer claims Lindell’s statements caused him to fear for his life and go into hiding.
MyPillow CEO’s Lawyers Don’t Argue Election Claims Are True in Court
In a surprising move, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s lawyers told a court this week that they won’t argue whether his claims of election rigging are true. Instead, they’re focusing on whether Lindell believed those claims when he made them. This is part of a defamation lawsuit filed by Eric Coomer, a former executive at a voting machine company.
Lindell has repeatedly claimed that the 2020 presidential election was rigged, pointing to voting machines as part of the alleged fraud. He even promised his supporters that the trial would expose the truth about these claims. But now, his lawyers are taking a different approach.
What Did Lindell’s Lawyers Say?
During the trial, Lindell’s attorney, Chris Kachouroff, explained to the jury, “This trial is about whether Mike Lindell believed his statements were true at the time he made them. It doesn’t have to be true, but he has to believe at the time he made them that they were substantially true.”
This means Lindell’s team isn’t trying to prove that his claims about the election were factual. Instead, they’re arguing that Lindell sincerely believed what he was saying, even if it wasn’t true.
Why Is This Case Important?
The legal strategy in this case is unusual. Normally, in defamation cases, the focus is on whether the statements were false and harmful. But here, Lindell’s team is shifting the focus to his personal beliefs, not the actual facts.
This approach could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. If the court agrees with Lindell’s lawyers, it might become easier for public figures to make controversial statements as long as they claim to believe them.
Who Is Eric Coomer?
Eric Coomer, the man suing Lindell, used to work for Dominion Voting Systems, a company that makes voting machines. After the 2020 election, Coomer became a target of conspiracy theories claiming the election was rigged. Lindell accused Coomer of being a “traitor” and linked him to the alleged fraud.
Coomer says Lindell’s statements ruined his life. He claims he received death threats and had to hide for months because of the accusations. He’s suing Lindell for defamation, which means he’s alleging that Lindell’s false statements harmed his reputation and caused him emotional distress.
What’s Next?
The trial is ongoing, and it’s unclear how the jury will decide. If the court rules in Coomer’s favor, Lindell could face serious consequences, including paying damages. On the other hand, if Lindell’s lawyers succeed in their argument, it could change how defamation cases are handled in the future.
For now, the case is drawing attention because of its unusual legal strategy and the high-profile individuals involved. It’s a reminder of how misinformation and conspiracy theories can have real-life consequences.
This case is a complex mix of free speech, personal belief, and the impact of words on people’s lives. As the trial continues, many are watching to see how the court will handle this unique approach to defamation.