Supreme Court Denies Wynn's Challenge to Press Protections

The Supreme Court has declined to review a case brought by billionaire Steve Wynn, who sought to challenge the long-standing libel protections established in the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan ruling. Wynn's lawsuit against the Associated Press stemmed from a 2018 article detailing sexual assault allegations against him, which he claimed were published without adequate investigation. The Sullivan precedent requires public figures to prove 'actual malice' in defamation cases, a standard that Wynn and some conservative legal scholars argue is outdated in today's media landscape. Critics, including former President Trump, have called for reevaluation of this standard, asserting it allows media outlets to defame public figures without consequences. However, the Supreme Court's refusal to hear Wynn's case marks a setback for efforts to weaken press protections. The decision underscores the ongoing tension between press freedom and the interests of powerful individuals.