Steve Wynn’s long-running defamation lawsuit against the Associated Press has officially ended. The Nevada Supreme Court dismissed Wynn’s claims, ruling that the case should not proceed to trial, ending a legal battle that began in 2018.
The lawsuit stemmed from an Associated Press article that reported allegations from two women accusing Wynn of sexual misconduct. Wynn argued that the AP’s reporting was defamatory and sought damages. However, the court upheld the earlier decision to apply Nevada’s anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) law, designed to prevent lawsuits that aim to intimidate or silence critics.
The court emphasized that the public has a clear interest in understanding allegations of misconduct involving high-profile figures like Wynn. “The public had an interest in understanding the history of misconduct alleged to have been committed by one of the most recognized figures in Nevada,” the court stated, highlighting the relevance of the AP’s reporting.
Anti-SLAPP laws protect free speech, particularly in cases involving public interest. The court noted that these laws were meant to stop exactly this kind of lawsuit—where a news organization is targeted for publishing information that serves the public. Justice Ron Parraguirre wrote that, as a public figure, Wynn needed to provide clear evidence showing the AP acted with actual malice, a high standard required in defamation cases involving public figures.
Wynn, once the CEO of Wynn Resorts, resigned amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. These legal troubles not only affected Wynn personally but also brought financial consequences for the company. Wynn Resorts was fined $20 million by the Nevada Gaming Commission for not investigating the allegations against him before his resignation. Massachusetts regulators also imposed a $35.5 million fine on Wynn and his company for failing to disclose the allegations when applying for a casino license near Boston.
Lauren Easton, Vice President of Corporate Communications for the AP, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, saying, “The Associated Press is very pleased with the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision.”
The conclusion of this lawsuit adds to Wynn’s long list of legal battles and public scrutiny following the sexual misconduct allegations. Despite Wynn’s attempts to seek a jury trial, the court’s decision reinforces the protection of press freedom when reporting on matters of public concern.
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