In a landmark legal victory for victims of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, Wynn Resorts has agreed to a $70 million class-action settlement to resolve claims of misconduct by former CEO Steve Wynn. The settlement, announced by the company on Friday, is one of the largest of its kind in recent memory and brings an end to years of legal battles and allegations that have plagued the Las Vegas-based casino giant.
The settlement stems from a series of lawsuits filed against Wynn Resorts by current and former employees who alleged they were subjected to a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and retaliation for speaking out against misconduct. The lawsuits, which were consolidated into a class-action complaint, alleged that Wynn Resorts failed to adequately address complaints of harassment and discrimination, and allowed a culture of abuse to flourish under the leadership of Steve Wynn.
The settlement, which still requires court approval, will provide compensation to current and former employees who were affected by the alleged misconduct. In addition to the monetary award, Wynn Resorts has also committed to implementing a series of reforms to prevent future harassment and discrimination in the workplace, including mandatory training for all employees, enhanced reporting mechanisms, and the establishment of a dedicated hotline for reporting complaints.
In a statement announcing the settlement, Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox expressed regret for the harm caused to employees and pledged to do better in the future. “We are committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment for all of our employees, and we take these allegations very seriously,” Maddox said. “We have already taken steps to improve our policies and procedures, and we will continue to work towards creating a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment.”
The settlement comes as a culmination of a years-long legal battle that has tarnished the reputation of Wynn Resorts and its former CEO. In 2018, multiple reports surfaced detailing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct by Steve Wynn, leading to his resignation from the company he founded. Since then, Wynn Resorts has faced numerous lawsuits and investigations related to the allegations, including a record $20 million fine imposed by Nevada regulators in 2019.
The $70 million settlement is a significant victory for the victims of harassment and discrimination at Wynn Resorts, and a step towards justice for those who have suffered in silence. As the #MeToo movement continues to shine a spotlight on workplace misconduct, the settlement serves as a reminder that no company or individual is above the law, and that accountability must be held for those who abuse their power.