Pro-Trump lawyer Sidney Powell rose to national infamy as one of the most visible purveyors of former President Donald Trump's lies regarding the validity of the 2020 election.
Powell circulated deranged conspiracy theories that prominent election software companies coordinated with Democrats to engage in widespread election fraud that "stole" the election from Trump.
Though not based in reality, Powell's claims led to heightened threats and demonization of election companies like Smartmatic and Dominion, both of which have now sued her for defamation.
In a motion to dismiss the Dominion suit, Powell argued that no serious person would take her claims as statements of fact, but as statements of opinion that can't be proven true or false.
But comments made by Powell last month at a panel for the Dallas Patriot Roundup may throw a wrench in that defense, according to the Daily Beast.
Powell said:
"[N]umber one, [Dominion doesn't] have jurisdiction over us and number two, we meant what we said and we have the evidence to back it up."
That claim contradicts the argument made in her dismissal motion that Powell's disinformation is protected since, she argued, the claims could not be proven as fact.
Attorney Ted Boutrous Jr. told the Daily Beast:
"That seems like an extremely damaging admission from Ms. Powell that eviscerates her main defense, which is based on a distortion of the opinion doctrine to begin with. Dominion will have a field day with this statement in opposing her efforts to dismiss the case before trial, and before the jury if and when the case goes to trial."
People weren't surprised that Powell's hubris may have jeopardized her argument.
Powell continues to face backlash for her repeated lies about the 2020 election.
A joint hearing for the Dominion suit is scheduled for June 24.
