Casino mogul files libel suit

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Billionaire casino owner Sheldon G. Adelson filed a $60 million libel suit in response to allegations he condoned prostitution at one of his casinos.

The New York Times reported Adelson's suit names the National Jewish Democratic Council as a defendant, as well as David A. Harris and Marc R. Stanley, two council officials.

"Defendants' goal was to advance their perceived political interests by assassinating Mr. Adelson's character, punishing him for exercising his right to make monetary contributions to political causes and candidates of his choice and demeaning him within the Jewish community," the suit reads.

The council published an article on its Web site last month cautioning GOP candidates, including Mitt Romney, from accepting Adelson's campaign donations because he "reportedly approved of prostitution." The accusation stems from a lawsuit filed against Adelson in June alleging his Macau casino allowed prostitution.

Adelson has, in recent months, become a leading patron of conservative and GOP candidates. To date, he has donated tens of millions to conservative "super PACs."