Newsweek Secures Anti-SLAPP Victory, Entitled to Fees

NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Newsweek has secured a significant legal victory against Olivet University, establishing its entitlement to recover attorneys' fees stemming from a defamation lawsuit. The Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, recently granted summary judgment in Newsweek's favor, affirming its right to compensation for legal costs incurred in defending against the university's claims.

This decision follows a series of legal victories involving Newsweek, IBT Media, and related parties. In June 2026, Newsweek announced a separate judgment totaling nearly $11 million against former owner IBT Media for payroll-tax obligations that Newsweek had paid on IBT's behalf. The case, Newsweek Digital LLC v. Olivet University, stems from a defamation lawsuit Olivet originally brought against Newsweek in 2022 in federal court, which was dismissed by the court and affirmed on appeal. Newsweek subsequently pursued a separate claim under New York's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) law to recover its legal costs.

The decision marks a significant victory for Newsweek and could provide an important precedent for other news organizations and journalists seeking to recover the costs of defending their reporting. Newsweek's outside counsel believes this is the first ruling on the merits granting entitlement to attorneys' fees on a standalone substantive claim under New York's amended anti-SLAPP statute.

The case highlights the challenges faced by media organizations in defending against defamation claims, particularly when those claims are brought by entities with significant resources. Newsweek's victory underscores the importance of anti-SLAPP laws in protecting the free flow of information and ensuring that news organizations can continue to report on matters of public interest without being unduly burdened by meritless lawsuits.

Newsweek remains focused on delivering independent, fact-based journalism and will continue to defend its reporting and pursue appropriate legal remedies. The company, which is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 94-year-old American magazine, reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in 50 countries.