In a groundbreaking decision, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled to bring an end to casino mogul Steve Wynn’s defamation lawsuit against The Associated Press. The ruling, which was handed down on Thursday, marks a significant victory for the news organization and a major blow to Wynn, who had sought damages for what he claimed was a false and damaging story published by the AP.
The lawsuit was initially filed by Wynn in response to an article published by the AP in February 2018, which detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment made against Wynn by multiple women. The article, which was based on interviews with over 150 people, including current and former employees of Wynn’s casinos, painted a damning picture of the billionaire’s behavior and quickly made headlines around the world.
Wynn, who has vehemently denied the allegations and claimed that the article was false and defamatory, filed a lawsuit against the AP seeking damages for reputational harm. However, in a unanimous decision, the Nevada Supreme Court sided with the news organization, ruling that the article was a matter of public concern and that Wynn had failed to prove that the information contained in the story was false or published with actual malice.
In a statement following the ruling, AP Executive Editor Sally Buzbee praised the court’s decision, stating that “we are pleased that the Nevada Supreme Court has affirmed the important principle that news organizations have the right to report on matters of public concern without fear of retribution.” Buzbee also emphasized the AP’s commitment to delivering accurate and fair reporting to its readers.
Meanwhile, representatives for Wynn expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, with Wynn’s attorney stating that they were exploring all available legal options in response to the ruling. Despite this setback, Wynn’s legal team maintains that the mogul will continue to vigorously defend his reputation and fight to clear his name.
The ruling in the Wynn defamation suit is expected to have far-reaching implications for the relationship between news organizations and public figures, setting a precedent for future cases involving allegations of defamation. As for Wynn, this decision represents a major setback in his ongoing legal battles and serves as a reminder of the power and influence of the media in shaping public perception.
