Newsweek Wins Anti-SLAPP Ruling Against Olivet University, Establishing Entitlement to Attorneys’ Fees

NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newsweek today announced that the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, has granted summary judgment in its favor on its anti-SLAPP claim against Olivet University, establishing Newsweek’s entitlement to recover attorneys’ fees arising from Olivet’s unsuccessful defamation litigation.

The ruling follows other legal victories involving Olivet University, 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 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 law to recover its legal costs. Anti-SLAPP laws address “strategic lawsuits against public participation” and provide protections for speech on matters of public interest.

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.

“News organizations should be able to report on matters of public interest without being forced to absorb the costs of defending against meritless lawsuits,” said Dev Pragad, Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Newsweek. “This is an important victory for Newsweek, and we believe its significance extends to other publishers and journalists. We will continue to stand behind our newsroom and its independent reporting.”

Newsweek remains focused on delivering independent, fact-based journalism and will continue to defend its reporting and pursue appropriate legal remedies.

About Newsweek:
Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 94-year-old American magazine. Newsweek 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.

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Note to editors: The Decision and Order on Motion is available through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system under Index No. 155276/2025, Document No. 78.