1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Sahara Suing Scott Roeben Over Closure Rumour

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by breanna61, Aug 7, 2020.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Jejas

    Jejas VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2014
    Messages:
    5,944
    Location:
    New York
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    It's much worse than the rumor itself.
    Those never heard the rumor before now know they(Sahara) are in real trouble.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  2. Golfer

    Golfer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2016
    Messages:
    826
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    Suit will go no where. You can barely sue someone posting Fantasy as fact. Same standard is used for someone posting rumor as rumor. It’s a high bar. It’s a high bar that is misused, especially on the internet. But just because you favor one side doesn’t mean the immunity doesn’t apply to the other side. At least the side posting rumor as rumor calls it what it is.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. vegasqc

    vegasqc VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2010
    Messages:
    3,640
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    11
    It nothing different that any sports fan posting im hearing the coach or gm will be fired , love VV and judging from his post today hes not backing down
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  4. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    21,525
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    Meh, maybe. As always in litigation, the details are what matters and we don't have all those to make a judgment. I do think its interesting that in the original posts, the defendant made reference to "sources". That means he had at least two sources for what he reported. Not sure what the shield laws are in NV, but if it turns out he didn't have multiple sources (that a person could reasonably rely on as accurate), he could be in real trouble. That's just one of many plausible scenarios I can think of where he could be in real trouble. Its also often difficult for plaintiffs to prove damages in cases like these. The bottom line is, none of us in the general public will likely ever know all the facts (unless there is a trial, which is doubtful) and can't speculate with any accuracy as to the strength or weakness of this particular case
     
    The plans have changed
    Post-Shopping Recovery Period
    • Agree Agree x 4
    • Like Like x 2
    • Funny Funny x 1
  5. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    21,525
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    Actually, its very different. VV does not hold itself out as a fan of vegas stuff. It touts itself as a news source and expert (based on his TV appearances).
     
    The plans have changed
    Post-Shopping Recovery Period
    • Agree Agree x 6
  6. nfajgmbr03

    nfajgmbr03 MIA

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2015
    Messages:
    839
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    5
    If you look at what he posts there isn't much value. Someone was tired of this crap so it's inevitable
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
  7. alanleroy

    alanleroy Click my avatar

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2010
    Messages:
    2,684
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    87
    He removed the original article which he clearly stated was a rumor. He makes it clear constantly that he shares "rumors, speculation, opinions and industry chatter" and clearly identifies statements as such. The only real trouble he's in is possibly having to spend a "metric ass-ton" of money on a lawyer if the Sahara goes through with the suit. He pissed someone off. They want to teach him a lesson with a nuisance law suit and have the resources to string it along for a long time

    In his Sahara update Scott points out other 'rumors' he has reported. Scott clearly has sources inside the Sahara.

    "Here are some rumors we’ve shared, often long before they were officially confirmed.

    [​IMG] 6/23/15 rumor: Life Nightclub closing at SLS. This rumor was confirmed 11/11/15.
    [​IMG] 5/23/17 rumor: SLS sold to Alex Meruelo. This rumor was confirmed later on the same day, 5/23/17.
    [​IMG] 6/16/17 rumor: Umami Burger, Katsuya, 800 Degrees pizza to close at SLS. This rumor was confirmed 7/20/19.
    [​IMG] 5/13/19 rumor: “Magic Mike” is moving to SLS/Sahara. This rumor was confirmed 9/26/19.
    [​IMG] 6/4/19: SLS to be rebranded Sahara. This rumor was confirmed 6/27/19.
    [​IMG] 8/5/19: New nightlife venue at Sahara will be Club 101. This rumor was confirmed 8/25/19.
    [​IMG] 8/9/19: Cleo restaurant closing at SLS/Sahara. This rumor was sadly confirmed 8/23/19.
    [​IMG]9/27/19: “Blanc de Blanc” at Sahara in trouble, likely to close. This rumor was confirmed 11/26/19 when the show closed."
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  8. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,787
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    I’ve written thousands of articles. It is not rocket science to be accurate.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  9. JaDubya

    JaDubya High Roller? Nah...just a Roller

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2020
    Messages:
    4,181
    Location:
    California
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    When I see them throwing around this number, I question what the hell Sahara is doing:

    Thursday's defamation claim cites negligence on Roeben’s part in causing damages in excess of $15,000 and says the Sahara Las Vegas was portrayed in a false light.
    https://www.ktnv.com/news/sahara-las-vegas-sues-vegas-blogger-over-false-closure-claims

    Aren’t they just drawing more attention to themselves? I know I started watching YouTube videos of their empty casino.
     
  10. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2011
    Messages:
    19,794
    Location:
    Somewhere in Middle America
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    70
    Hmmmmmm ... Back during the first wave of lockdowns, there was a rumor on one of the local boards that the local Harrah's would not be reopening.

    Fortunately it was not true. I'm wondering if CET caught wind of it and at least checked it out.
     
  11. DrScorpio

    DrScorpio Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2020
    Messages:
    171
    Location:
    Chino, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    I sorta see it in another light. VV often talks about how their rumors eventually become true (essentially saying that our rumors are usually true). Now they say Sahara is closing. If I was a Sahara rep, regardless if this was true or not, will know that this will cause damage. By doing this lawsuit (which will probably no nowhere), they are screaming to the world that they "in fact are not closing".

    People remember headlines. If Sahara did nothing, Im sure many people will believe this rumor to be true.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  12. LB9

    LB9 PH Blackjack Degen

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,635
    Location:
    D.C.
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    There’s elements to a lawsuit, including defamation/libel, which need to be satisfied and can likely be found in the NVRS. There’s always a lot of arm chair attorneys in any board, but it’s impossible at this point - as UK mentioned- to know how this suit plays out. The elements need to be satisfied, is it a bench or jury trial, can they prove “damages”, for libel (written statement), it needs to be malicious in Nevada per libel elements- is this malicious? Etc. How does similar case law in Nevada play out in terms of precedent/stare decisis?

    You have one party deciding facts, one deciding law, or in a bench trial one deciding both. I would presume those making determinations here didn’t perform shepardizing in Lexis much less try these cases prior lol.

    Bottom line- the guy (Scott) was an ass for doing this, he’s not reliable as many know here on the board know. this this probably did indeed harm to employees insofar as people wondering if their jobs are in jeopardy. But in the real world before someone can be successful suing someone, there’s a bit more to it.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  13. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    21,525
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    What you're describing is known as a SLAAP lawsuit. And sure, its possible. That's kind of my point. We don't, and likely never will, have the facts necessary to make an informed opinion on the actual case. The follow up posts in this thread mostly fall into two general categories: I like the defendant and as a result I will push back at criticism leveled its way, or I don't like the defendant and hope he gets what he deserves. All of that is fine, but don't mistake any of those opinions as informed legal analysis of the likely outcome. Anyone trying to do that based on the information we have does not know what they are doing
     
    The plans have changed
    Post-Shopping Recovery Period
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
  14. Chuck2009x

    Chuck2009x VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2009
    Messages:
    14,199
    Location:
    Boston
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    I don't look at his page often, so I don't know when he posted the rumor and obviously nothing about whatever source he might have had.

    But Sahara had an NGC complaint filed against it Wednesday for:
    1. Not enforcing distancing in the casino on June 16 (before the mask mandate I believe)
    2. Hosting a lunch event larger than the maximum group limit on July 23

    https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2020/08/06/nevada-gaming-control-board-alleges-sahara-las-vegas-violated-social-distancing-policies/3310521001/

    Information about the actions NGC took on-site at the time may have wormed its way to him from someone at Sahara, no way to know.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2020
  15. vegasvstr

    vegasvstr VIP Whale

    Joined:
    May 31, 2017
    Messages:
    3,477
    Location:
    Usa
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    9
    Maybe a part of their motivation is to see if he'll reveal internal sources?
    The article mentions he's also being sued for falsely stating they were cutting comps, so that too.
    Definitely not about money.
    “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”
    - Oscar Wilde
     
  16. alanleroy

    alanleroy Click my avatar

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2010
    Messages:
    2,684
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    87
    You're right none of us has all the facts. The real point I was making was related to your statement that if Scott didn't have multiple sources he was in trouble. Maybe that's why he pointed out the other 8 accurate 'rumors' about the Sahara he's published. He obviously has sources there and isn't pulling this out of thin air.

    People speak to journalists under the condition of anonymity all the time. It's not always correct. (Is he a journalist or not?). Journalists rarely get sued. They almost never lose a case....especially after a 'retraction' unless there was some provable malice involved.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2020
    • Agree Agree x 1
  17. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    21,525
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    Got it. Arguing he was right in the past, however, is not a defense. All that matters is what happened in this situation.

    The point I was making (poorly apparently) is that his post implied he had multiple sources, which gives the post the imprimatur of accuracy. Whether he had one source, two sources, or no sources isn't really the point, though. Truth is an absolute defense to defamation (although not always to false light). But if its not accurate and if he didn't have multiple sources, as the post states, then lying about having multiple sources could establish intent or, at least, reckless disregard for the truth. Not trying to take everyone down a legal rabbit hole, but if the plaintiff can prove that, it would be very bad for the defendant. To be clear, I don't have any information other than what has been stated publicly. But its clear what VV publishes is not journalism and it does not appear to follow journalistic standards. Its not unusual in those cases to attribute rumors to a source to make it appear more valid when, in fact, there is nothing to corroborate the rumor. I guess what I am saying is that everyone jumping to conclusions about the validity of these claims, regardless of what side you're on, doesn't actually know what they are talking about (unless they have additional, non-public information about the facts of the case)
     
    The plans have changed
    Post-Shopping Recovery Period
    • Agree Agree x 4
  18. Scotchguy

    Scotchguy Tourist

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2017
    Messages:
    37
    Location:
    So Cal
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Do you mean to tell me that people spread rumors and untruths on the internet!??? No Way!
    I enjoy the content that VV puts out, but I know what it is.
    From a legal standpoint I don’t see how a bad TripAdvisor or Yelp review is different from a rumor tweet.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  19. Paul K

    Paul K VIP

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2019
    Messages:
    845
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    20
    From what I understood VV didn't retract or clarify the post to an extent Sahara approved of, this is why they are suing him.

    People are saying what Sahara is doing is childish, I disagree. VV's post about people being able to buy out Sahara's Alexandria Tower for $20,000+ with a snarky tagline yesterday shows his mindset.

    Journalism often is anything but these days. That is the problem. Too many people like to call themselves journalists yet are really commentators. Instead of doing real reporting they try to shape news stories to their advantage or create a story where there is none.

    Sahara might not win at trial, but they can put this guy through the ringer until he breaks. If I owned a billion dollar company frankly I'd probably do the same thing.
     
  20. alanleroy

    alanleroy Click my avatar

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2010
    Messages:
    2,684
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    87
    Of course it is. It shows he has reliable sources at the Sahara and a history of accurately reporting behind the scenes happenings there. It makes it hard for the Sahara to argue this was done maliciously and without any basis. Of course, like you said we don't know all the facts. I imagine that if this goes forward, Sahara will attempt to argue that since Scott actually works for FSE (does he still?) he's attempting to steer business downtown.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.