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Casino Mogul Steve Wynn Petitions Supreme Court to Reconsider Landmark Libel Protections

The former Wynn Resorts CEO seeks to challenge the 'actual malice' standard established by New York Times v. Sullivan, citing a changing media landscape.

The Nevada Independent Logo
A Trump megadonor is asking the Supreme Court to strip a key media protection.
Steve Wynn, Chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts, speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 3, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
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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.