Supreme Court Declines Steve Wynn's Bid to Challenge Landmark Defamation Rule

The decision leaves the 'actual malice' standard from New York Times v. Sullivan intact, reinforcing strong protections for press freedom in the U.S.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Steve Wynn's appeal to overturn the 'actual malice' standard, a key precedent in defamation law established in 1964.
Wynn's defamation lawsuit against the Associated Press was dismissed by Nevada's top court, which ruled he failed to prove the AP acted with 'actual malice.'
The 'actual malice' standard requires public figures to show false statements were made knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth.
Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch have previously expressed interest in revisiting the standard, citing concerns about the modern media landscape.
The decision underscores the judiciary's reluctance to alter longstanding First Amendment protections, despite criticism from figures like Donald Trump who argue the rule is outdated.