Supreme Court Denies Wynn's Libel Appeal Amid GOP Push

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear casino mogul Steve Wynn's appeal to overturn the landmark 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan decision, which established the 'actual malice' standard for defamation suits involving public figures. Wynn's appeal stemmed from a dismissed defamation lawsuit against the Associated Press, which reported allegations of sexual misconduct against him dating back to the 1970s. The Nevada Supreme Court had previously affirmed that Wynn failed to prove the AP acted with actual malice. The decision to not hear the case leaves the First Amendment protections for journalists intact, though Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch have previously suggested revisiting the precedent. The case highlights ongoing debates over libel laws and press freedoms in the context of modern media environments. Wynn, a prominent Republican donor, has denied all allegations, and his appeal was part of a broader Republican push to weaken press protections.