In a landmark ruling, the Nevada Supreme Court has effectively ended a defamation suit brought by casino mogul Steve Wynn against The Associated Press. The decision, which was handed down on Tuesday, marks a major victory for press freedom and sets an important precedent for future defamation cases.
The lawsuit stemmed from an investigative report published by The Associated Press in 2018 that detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against Wynn. The report, which was based on interviews with numerous women who had worked with Wynn, alleged that the billionaire had engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment and assault over many years.
Wynn, who has denied the allegations, filed a defamation suit against The Associated Press, claiming that the report was false and damaging to his reputation. The case has been closely watched by media organizations and legal experts, who saw it as a test of how far the courts would go to protect investigative journalism.
In its ruling, the Nevada Supreme Court found that The Associated Press had acted responsibly in reporting on the allegations against Wynn. The court noted that the news organization had taken reasonable steps to verify the information in its report, including conducting interviews with multiple sources and obtaining documentary evidence to support its claims.
The court also found that the allegations against Wynn were a matter of public concern, given his status as a prominent business figure and the potential impact of his behavior on his business empire. As a result, the court ruled that The Associated Press was protected by the First Amendment in publishing the report and could not be held liable for defamation.
The decision was hailed as a victory for press freedom by The Associated Press and other media organizations. In a statement, the news organization praised the court for upholding the principles of a free press and allowing journalists to report on matters of public importance without fear of legal reprisal.
Wynn, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with the ruling and vowed to continue fighting to clear his name. In a statement, his legal team said that they were exploring their options for further legal action against The Associated Press.
The ruling is likely to have a lasting impact on defamation law in Nevada and beyond. By affirming the protections afforded to journalists under the First Amendment, the court has sent a clear message that the press has the right to investigate and report on matters of public concern without fear of retaliation.
Overall, the decision represents a significant victory for press freedom and a blow to those who seek to use the legal system to silence critical reporting. As the case comes to a close, it serves as a reminder of the vital role that a free and independent press plays in holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable.