A jury in Denver, Colorado, has ruled that MyPillow CEO and former Trump supporter Mike Lindell must pay $2.3 million. This libel payment comes in response to Eric Coomer, a former employee of Dominion Voting Systems. The ruling is the result of a defamation lawsuit against Lindell. He made up lies about Coomer’s supposed involvement in rigging the 2020 presidential election.
The jury’s verdict followed a two week trial. All the while, Lindell doubled down and spread his ridiculous conspiracy theories that the election had been stolen from Trump. Coomer filed federal lawsuits in 2022 against Lindell and his companies, My Pillow, Inc. and Lindell TV, arguing that Lindell’s accusations had irreparably damaged his reputation.
In their unanimous ruling, the jury determined that each of the statements Lindell made about Coomer was false and damaging. Throughout the trial, Lindell consistently attempted to make his case come through. He hoped to thread them together into a bigger narrative of telling Americans that U.S. elections are secure.
Coomer conveyed his hope and relief at the verdict, calling it a critical benchmark for accountability. The ruling’s most important effect, according to his attorney, Charles Cain, is to stop people from going after and defaming the targeted people.
“We’re thrilled with the verdict.” – Charles Cain
Cain recognized, the decision reflects a need to provide a remedy for individuals who have experienced reputational damage. Specifically, he underscored the far-reaching implications of the case. He argued that it would discourage future attacks on election workers and officials.
“In the sense that [Coomer has] been through a lot and he’s still going to be looking over his shoulder,” – Charles Cain
Though the court’s ruling was a major blow, it has not stopped Lindell from using his many legal controversies to help hawk his wares. He’s used his platform to raise awareness about his own legal troubles and drum up support from his customer base. He hailed the unanimous verdict as a sign of hope and a “huge victory for our country.” He claimed that it raises critical questions about free speech and corporate accountability.
“This is a huge victory for our country,” – Mike Lindell
The legal troubles have had tangible impacts on Lindell’s business, as several major retailers ceased carrying MyPillow products in 2021 due to allegations surrounding Lindell’s promotion of unfounded election conspiracies.