Kari Lake and Arizona county election official reach settlement in defamation case
A defamation case against Kari Lake brought by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer has been settled, representatives for both parties confirmed to NBC News.
A defamation case against Kari Lake brought by Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder Stephen Richer has been settled, representatives for both parties confirmed Sunday to NBC News.
Richer, a Republican, filed a claim in June 2023 saying Lake falsely accused him of "intentionally sabotaging the election" after she lost the 2022 Arizona governor's race. Richer's office is tasked with maintaining voter files and works with Maricopa County Elections to administer elections. Richer sought unspecified nominal, compensatory and punitive damages.
"As a result of Defendants’ knowing and malicious falsehoods, Richer and his family have been the target of threats of violence, and even death, and have had their lives turned upside down," Richer's team said in the claim last year, which also sought damages from two Lake-aligned groups.
Neither Richer's nor Lake's teams disclosed the details of the settlement, which was previously reported by The Washington Post.
"We are pleased" the case has been settled, Lake’s lawyer Dennis Wilenchik said, noting that the settlement's terms are confidential. It is not uncommon for settlement terms to remain private.
Rating: 5