Overview
- Steve Wynn, a billionaire and prominent Republican donor, is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan decision.
- The landmark ruling requires public figures to prove 'actual malice'—knowledge of falsehood or reckless disregard for the truth—to win defamation lawsuits.
- Wynn's petition follows the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against the Associated Press, which reported allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
- Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch have previously expressed interest in revisiting the Sullivan precedent, citing concerns about disinformation in modern media.
- Wynn's case aligns with broader conservative critiques of press protections, including past comments and legal efforts by former President Donald Trump.