In a groundbreaking decision, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled in favor of The Associated Press, bringing an end to a defamation suit filed by casino mogul Steve Wynn. The case, which has been closely watched by industry insiders and legal experts, centers around a series of articles published by the news agency that accused Wynn of sexual misconduct.
Wynn, who is known for his lavish resorts and casinos in Las Vegas and Macau, was the subject of a bombshell report in early 2018 in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment and assault. The allegations rocked the casino industry and led to Wynn stepping down as the CEO of his namesake company.
Following the publication of the articles, Wynn filed a defamation lawsuit against The Associated Press, claiming that the news agency had published false and damaging information about him. The case has been making its way through the legal system for over two years, with both sides presenting arguments and evidence in support of their respective positions.
However, in a unanimous decision, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that The Associated Press had not acted with malice or reckless disregard for the truth when publishing the articles. The court found that the news agency had exercised due diligence in verifying the accuracy of the information and had acted in the public interest by reporting on the serious allegations against Wynn.
This ruling is a significant victory for press freedom and the importance of rigorous investigative journalism in holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable. It also sets a precedent for future defamation cases involving public figures and news organizations.
In a statement following the court’s decision, Wynn’s legal team expressed disappointment but vowed to explore all available legal options to seek justice for their client. The Associated Press, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling as a reaffirmation of the news agency’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism.
The outcome of this case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the media industry and how allegations of misconduct are reported on. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role that the press plays in bringing important issues to light and holding individuals in positions of power accountable for their actions.
