In a landmark decision, the Nevada Supreme Court has officially ended a defamation suit filed by casino mogul Steve Wynn against The Associated Press. The ruling comes after a lengthy legal battle that has gripped the state and captivated the nation.
Wynn, the former CEO of Wynn Resorts, filed the lawsuit in response to a series of articles published by The Associated Press in which multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. The articles detailed a pattern of behavior in which Wynn allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct with female employees over a span of several decades.
Wynn vehemently denied the allegations and claimed that the articles were false and defamatory. He argued that the reporters had published the articles with reckless disregard for the truth and that their actions had irreparably damaged his reputation and business interests.
However, the Nevada Supreme Court ultimately sided with The Associated Press, ruling that the articles were protected by the First Amendment and that Wynn had not met the high burden of proving actual malice on the part of the reporters. The court noted that the journalists had conducted a thorough investigation and had accurately reported on the allegations made against Wynn.
The decision marks a significant victory for press freedom and the rights of journalists to report on matters of public interest without fear of retribution. It also highlights the challenges faced by individuals who seek to hold media organizations accountable for their reporting.
In a statement following the ruling, Wynn expressed disappointment with the court’s decision but vowed to continue fighting to clear his name. He reiterated his innocence and maintained that the allegations against him were part of a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation.
The Associated Press welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a reaffirmation of the importance of a free and independent press. The news organization emphasized its commitment to thorough and accurate reporting and reiterated its support for the journalists who worked on the Wynn story.
As the legal battle comes to a close, the fallout from the allegations against Steve Wynn continues to reverberate throughout the gaming industry. Wynn resigned as CEO of Wynn Resorts in 2018 amid mounting pressure from shareholders and regulators, and his reputation has been irreparably tarnished by the scandal.
The end of the defamation suit against The Associated Press brings a sense of closure to a long and contentious legal saga. However, the impact of the allegations against Steve Wynn will likely be felt for years to come, as the gaming industry grapples with the broader issue of sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace.