In a groundbreaking decision, the Nevada Supreme Court has put an end to a defamation lawsuit filed by casino mogul Steve Wynn against The Associated Press (AP). The lawsuit, which was filed in 2018, alleged that the news organization had published false and defamatory statements about Wynn in a series of articles addressing allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Wynn, the former CEO of Wynn Resorts, had filed the lawsuit in an attempt to clear his name and salvage his reputation in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The articles in question had reported on multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment made against Wynn by former employees and other women associated with his businesses.
However, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled in favor of The Associated Press, stating that the news organization had acted within its rights to report on the allegations made against Wynn. In their decision, the court cited the importance of freedom of the press and the public’s right to know about allegations of misconduct involving public figures.
The ruling marks a significant victory for The Associated Press and the journalism community as a whole, as it reaffirms the crucial role of the press in holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable. It also sends a strong message that attempts to silence the media through defamation lawsuits will not be tolerated.
In response to the court’s decision, a spokesperson for The Associated Press stated, “We are pleased with the outcome of the case and believe that it upholds the principles of press freedom and accountability. We will continue to report on matters of public interest without fear or favor, as is our duty as journalists.”
Meanwhile, representatives for Steve Wynn have expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating that they believe the allegations made against him were false and damaging to his reputation. They have not yet indicated whether they plan to pursue any further legal action in response to the court’s decision.
Overall, the ruling by the Nevada Supreme Court in this defamation case serves as a significant victory for press freedom and accountability, setting a precedent for the handling of similar cases in the future. It also highlights the importance of responsible journalism in uncovering and reporting on allegations of misconduct, particularly when they involve individuals in positions of power and influence. This decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the media landscape and the way in which allegations of misconduct are handled and reported on in the future.