The Nevada Supreme Court has brought an end to casino mogul Steve Wynn’s defamation lawsuit against The Associated Press (AP), ruling on Thursday that the news organization was protected under the state’s anti-SLAPP law. Wynn filed the lawsuit in 2018, accusing AP of defaming him in a report about allegations of sexual misconduct.
Anti-SLAPP Protections Uphold Free Speech
In a unanimous decision, the court upheld a February ruling by a three-judge panel, which cited Nevada’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) law. Anti-SLAPP statutes are designed to prevent lawsuits intended to intimidate or silence critics.
Justice Ron Parraguirre, writing for the court, emphasized that Wynn, as a public figure, was required to provide “clear and convincing evidence” that AP acted with actual malice in publishing the story. The ruling stated that the public had a legitimate interest in learning about allegations involving such a prominent figure in Nevada.
“The article directly relates to that interest,” Parraguirre wrote, noting that the AP report was part of a good-faith effort to inform the public.
Steve Wynn’s Legal Efforts Fail
Wynn, 82, has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal in 2018. Following the reports, Wynn resigned as CEO of Wynn Resorts Ltd., sold his shares in the company, and eventually left the casino industry after settling with Nevada regulators.
The defamation lawsuit focused on an AP article citing two women who accused Wynn of sexual misconduct, including Halina Kuta, who claimed Wynn raped her in the 1970s. Kuta’s claims were deemed “fanciful” by a trial judge, who awarded Wynn only $1 in damages.
AP Responds to Ruling
Lauren Easton, AP’s vice president of corporate communications, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. “The Associated Press is very pleased with the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision,” Easton said, adding that AP will seek reimbursement for legal costs.
