In a landmark decision, the Nevada high court has brought an end to a long-standing defamation suit filed by casino mogul Steve Wynn against The Associated Press (AP). The court ruled in favor of the media outlet, marking a significant victory for press freedom and First Amendment rights.
The lawsuit stemmed from an explosive report published by the AP in 2018, which detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against Wynn. The article, which was based on interviews with numerous individuals, including former employees of Wynn’s casino empire, painted a damning picture of the billionaire businessman.
Wynn, who has vehemently denied the allegations and called them “false and deeply offensive,” filed a defamation suit against the AP shortly after the article was published. The legal battle has been ongoing for several years, with both sides fiercely contesting the claims made in the article.
However, in a unanimous decision, the Nevada high court ruled that the AP’s reporting was protected by the First Amendment and that Wynn had failed to meet the burden of proof required to establish defamation. The court’s ruling effectively dismisses the lawsuit and clears the way for the AP to continue reporting on matters of public interest without fear of legal retribution.
The decision has been hailed as a victory for press freedom and a reaffirmation of the importance of a free and independent media. In a statement following the ruling, AP spokesperson Paul Colford praised the court’s decision, stating that it “upholds the fundamental principles of journalistic integrity and the public’s right to know.”
Meanwhile, Wynn’s legal team has expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and indicated that they may explore further legal options. However, with the high court’s ruling now final, it appears that the defamation suit against the AP has come to a definitive end.
The outcome of this case is sure to have far-reaching implications for the media industry and the ongoing debate over press freedom and accountability. As the dust settles on this high-profile legal battle, one thing is clear: the Nevada high court’s decision has set an important precedent for the protection of free speech and the vital role that the media plays in holding the powerful to account.