In a dramatic turn of events, casino mogul Steve Wynn’s bid to revive charges against him has been rejected by an appeals court. The ruling, which was handed down by a panel of three judges, has delivered a major blow to the former CEO of Wynn Resorts who has been embroiled in a legal battle for the past several years.
The charges in question relate to allegations of sexual misconduct that were brought against Wynn by several former employees. The employees claimed that Wynn had engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behavior, including making unwanted advances and using his position of power to coerce them into sexual acts. Wynn has vehemently denied the allegations, arguing that they were part of a smear campaign orchestrated by his ex-wife in an attempt to gain leverage in their divorce proceedings.
Despite Wynn’s protests of innocence, the charges were initially brought before a lower court, which ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered Wynn to stand trial. However, in a surprise twist, the appeals court has now overturned that decision, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to support the allegations.
In their ruling, the judges emphasized that while they did not condone any form of misconduct, they were bound by the law to uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty. They also pointed out that the burden of proof lies with the accusers, and in this case, the evidence presented was not strong enough to warrant a trial.
The news of the appeals court’s decision has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, as Wynn is considered one of the most influential figures in the sector. His eponymous company, Wynn Resorts, operates some of the most prestigious casinos in Las Vegas and Macau, and any legal troubles facing Wynn could have far-reaching implications for the company’s future.
Despite this legal victory, Wynn’s reputation has already been tarnished by the allegations against him, and it remains to be seen how he will be able to rehabilitate his image in the eyes of the public. For now, the casino magnate can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that at least for the time being, he is free from the threat of criminal prosecution. But with the court of public opinion often holding more sway than any legal ruling, Wynn may still have a long road ahead in his quest for redemption.