Ringier Axel Springer Polska (RASP), the prominent media group behind outlets such as Newsweek Polska, Onet, and Fakt, is facing a lawsuit demanding over PLN 54 million in penalties for failing to uphold the terms of a 2020 Settlement Agreement with entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert Szustkowski. The legal action stems from RASP’s refusal to pay a contractual penalty related to delays in removing defamatory content published in its media outlets between 2016 and 2018.
The lawsuit was filed in December 2024 after Szustkowski demanded (in August 2024) payment for the agreed contractual penalty, which exceeds PLN 50 million, citing RASP’s non-compliance with the Settlement. This agreement, signed in October 2020, was a result of a ruling in Szustkowski’s favor by Polish courts, which found that his personal rights—specifically his good name and dignity—had been violated by false and defamatory media coverage in several of RASP’s publications.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute between Szustkowski and RASP dates back to 2017, when a series of articles began circulating in RASP’s media outlets, making unfounded allegations about Szustkowski’s ties to Russia. These publications implied that the businessman had unclear, possibly compromising, connections with Russian entities—a claim that significantly tarnished his public image and credibility. Over time, the accusations escalated into a broader media campaign that severely damaged Szustkowski’s reputation, subjecting him to public scorn, media attacks, and social ostracism.
In response, Szustkowski took legal action, and in 2020, the courts ruled in his favor, confirming that his personal rights had been infringed upon. As part of the Settlement Agreement, RASP committed to permanently removing the defamatory content and refraining from publishing further damaging material. However, according to Szustkowski, the media giant has failed to fulfill its obligations, with the original articles still accessible and circulating within RASP’s publications.
As a result of RASP’s failure to pay the contractual penalty or adequately address the violation, Szustkowski, through his legal representative, Attorney ElżbietaKosińska-Kozak of the Dubois & Partners law firm, brought the case to court. The lawsuit, which demands over PLN 54 million in damages, is now one of the largest personal rights claims in Polish legal history.
“This amount represents not just a contractual penalty, but the immense damage done to my reputation, my business, and my life,” said Robert Szustkowski. “Had RASP honored the Settlement Agreement, I would not have had to endure the continued harm to my personal and professional life. The failure to remove the defamatory content has ensured that my reputation remains tarnished, and the consequences are deeply felt by both myself and my family.”
The Impact on Szustkowski’s Life
The ramifications of the media campaign and subsequent failure to rectify the violations have been far-reaching for Szustkowski. The smear campaign, which portrayed him as a Russian influence agent, came at a time of heightened geopolitical tension due to the war in Ukraine. This accusation has not only damaged his standing in Poland but also led to real-world consequences, including the withdrawal of investments from the country, the closure of his charitable foundation, and his exclusion from certain social circles.
Additionally, Szustkowski’s son has been directly affected by the false allegations. The ongoing reputational damage has disrupted his personal and professional life, compounding the toll of the years-long media assault.
The original aim of the Settlement Agreement with RASP was not just to address the harm to Szustkowski’s personal rights but also to set a precedent for media accountability in Poland. The agreement sought to ensure that publishers would be more responsible for the content they publish, especially when it comes to unsubstantiated claims that can cause lasting harm to individuals’ reputations. Other media outlets have similarly been forced to either enter settlements with Szustkowski or issue public corrections for the defamatory content they published.
“This case is a matter of principle,” Szustkowski emphasized. “It’s about ensuring that the media understand the importance of accuracy and responsibility in their reporting. The damage caused by false information can be devastating, and I want to make sure that no one else has to go through what I have endured.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the court’s decision, which could have far-reaching consequences for both Szustkowski and the broader Polish media landscape. The lawsuit represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate about the balance between freedom of the press and the protection of personal rights in a rapidly changing media environment.
The lawsuit filed by Robert Szustkowski against Ringier Axel Springer Polska is not just a financial claim; it is a fight for justice and accountability. The case reflects the enduring power of the media to shape reputations and the importance of holding publishers accountable for the content they produce. With a claim for over PLN 54 million in penalties at stake, this legal battle is set to become one of the most significant in Poland’s history of personal rights violations and could have lasting implications for media practices in the country.
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