Come to a close

The sexual harassment lawsuit involving casino mogul Steve Wynn, the Founder of Wynn Resorts, has officially concluded. A US District Court judge signed the settlement agreement between nine anonymous women and Wynn Resorts this week.

the matter cannot return to court or be subject to further appeals

As Judge Gloria Navarro granted a stipulation for dismissal with prejudice, the matter cannot return to court or be subject to further appeals. The court sealed details of the case and the size of the settlement.

The group of women worked at the salons in the Encore Las Vegas and Wynn Las Vegas properties on the Strip. They filed a lawsuit against Steve Wynn and his company in 2019 claiming they were subject to sexual harassment for many years.

The women graphically described how Wynn would ask inappropriate questions, demand they provide their services in secluded areas, and would even force them to massage his genital area. He maintained that he never sexually assaulted or harassed anyone.

A long-running case

The legal battle took many routes over the years, with the first judge ruling that the allegations were too vague. A subsequent appeal led to the partial reversal of the original ruling and this brought the case to Judge Navarro in the District Court.

The Wall Street Journal first broke the revelations about the sexual harassment at Wynn Resorts in January 2018, leading to significant changes within the casino company. Steve Wynn resigned as CEO and Chairman the following month, sold all of his shares, and was subject to extensive legal proceedings.

He settled for $10m with the Nevada Gaming Commission and can no longer hold a gaming license in the state.

Significant fallout

A number of Wynn Resorts executives stepped down after they reportedly swept the incidents under the rug. This included former President Maurice Wooden, who is now stepping into the same role in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

The company faced record-breaking fines of $20m and $35m in Nevada and Massachusetts, respectively, over the controversy.

had to remove Wynn’s name from its new casino in Everett

The Nevada Gaming Control Board concluded that the company didn’t investigate employee sexual misconduct claims. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission also fined CEO Matt Maddox $500,000 for not disclosing the allegations during the license approval process in the state. The company had to remove Wynn’s name from its new casino in Everett, changing it to the Encore Boston Harbor.