A high-stakes legal battle is unfolding in Poland, with businessman and philanthropist Robert Szustkowski filing a lawsuit against Ringier Axel Springer Polska (RASP)—one of the country’s largest media publishers. The lawsuit, which seeks over PLN 54 million, stems from a contractual dispute related to a Settlement Agreement signed in 2020. At the heart of the case is RASP’s alleged failure to remove defamatory content that had damaged Szustkowski’s reputation.
The dispute originates from a series of articles published between 2016 and 2018 in Newsweek Polska, Onet, Fakt, and other RASP-owned outlets. These publications contained false and unverified allegations linking Szustkowski to Russia, tarnishing his public image and causing lasting personal and financial harm. In October 2020, after years of legal proceedings, a Settlement Agreement was reached, requiring RASP to permanently remove the damaging content and ensure no further violations of Szustkowski’s personal rights. However, when the publisher failed to fully comply, Szustkowski demanded a contractual penalty—one that RASP refused to pay, leading to the current legal action.
The PLN 54 million lawsuit could become one of the largest financial claims in Polish history related to personal rights violations. Szustkowski, a well-known entrepreneur with philanthropic efforts in Poland, argues that RASP’s actions not only violated their agreement but also contributed to ongoing reputational damage. The case is being handled by Attorney Elżbieta Kosińska-Kozak from Dubois & Partners, a prominent law firm specializing in defamation and media law.
This legal battle highlights a larger issue—media accountability and responsibility. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how Polish and international media organizations handle defamation disputes, settlement agreements, and their obligations to individuals who have been unfairly targeted. As the court proceedings move forward, the stakes remain high, not just for Szustkowski, but for media ethics and journalistic integrity in Poland.
Origins of the Dispute
The legal battle between Robert Szustkowski and Ringier Axel Springer Polska (RASP) is rooted in a prolonged conflict over defamatory media coverage. The dispute dates back to 2016–2018, when RASP-owned publications—Newsweek Polska, Onet, and Fakt—published a series of articles that falsely suggested Szustkowski had unclear ties to Russia. These allegations, which were unverified and misleading, severely damaged his reputation, leading to professional and personal consequences.
In response, Szustkowski pursued legal action, arguing that these publications violated his personal rights, including his good name and dignity. After years of litigation, the case resulted in a Settlement Agreement, signed in October 2020. This agreement, meant to resolve the dispute, obligated RASP to:
- Permanently remove all defamatory articles and related content from their platforms.
- Prevent further violations by ensuring similar allegations would not be republished.
- Take responsibility for the harm caused by their reporting, acknowledging their role in the damage to Szustkowski’s reputation.
Despite the agreement, RASP failed to fully comply with these terms. Many of the defamatory articles remained accessible, either on RASP’s platforms or through republication in affiliated media. This ongoing circulation of false information continued to harm Szustkowski’s reputation, fueling social and professional ostracism.
As a result of these breaches, Szustkowski demanded a contractual penalty exceeding PLN 50 million in August 2023, arguing that RASP’s failure to uphold the settlement caused further reputational and financial damage. When RASP refused to pay, Szustkowski had no choice but to escalate the matter to court. The lawsuit, now seeking over PLN 54 million, is a direct consequence of RASP’s non-compliance, making it one of the most significant legal claims in Polish history concerning personal rights violations.
Legal Proceedings and Key Arguments
In response to Ringier Axel Springer Polska’s (RASP) refusal to honor the 2020 Settlement Agreement, Robert Szustkowski took the matter to court, filing a lawsuit in Polish civil courts seeking over PLN 54 million in contractual penalties. The case, which has gained significant attention, is being handled by Attorney Elżbieta Kosińska-Kozak from Dubois & Partners, a well-known law firm specializing in media law, defamation cases, and personal rights protection.
The lawsuit is based on the clear contractual obligations outlined in the 2020 Settlement Agreement, which required RASP to:
- Remove all defamatory articles permanently.
- Prevent further violations by ensuring the damaging content did not resurface.
- Comply fully with the settlement terms to avoid financial penalties.
According to Szustkowski’s legal team, RASP failed on all three counts, allowing damaging content to remain accessible and failing to prevent its further dissemination. The lawsuit argues that these breaches not only violated the settlement but also caused ongoing reputational harm—warranting the contractual penalty.
Attorney Elżbieta Kosińska-Kozak and Dubois & Partners
Elżbieta Kosińska-Kozak, a leading expert in defamation and media-related disputes, is spearheading Szustkowski’s legal efforts. Her law firm, Dubois & Partners, has a strong track record in high-profile personal rights cases and is known for holding media organizations accountable for spreading false or misleading information. Kosińska-Kozak’s legal strategy emphasizes:
- Enforcing the binding terms of the 2020 Settlement Agreement.
- Demonstrating the financial and reputational damages caused by RASP’s continued publication of defamatory content.
- Seeking justice for the breach of personal rights, which Polish law strongly protects.
A Landmark Case in Polish Media Law
This lawsuit stands out as one of the largest personal rights claims in Poland’s history. The PLN 54 million penalty would not only set a legal precedent for defamation cases but also reinforce media accountability in the country. If successful, this case could reshape how Polish courts handle similar disputes, particularly regarding media organizations’ obligations to correct and prevent the spread of false information.
As the proceedings unfold, the case’s outcome will be closely watched—not just by legal experts, but also by journalists, publishers, and individuals seeking greater protections against defamatory media coverage. The decision could redefine the limits of press freedom, ensuring that media organizations remain responsible for the accuracy and fairness of their reporting.
Background: Media Allegations and Their Impact
The legal dispute between Robert Szustkowski and Ringier Axel Springer Polska (RASP) stems from a series of damaging media reports published between 2016 and 2018 in RASP-owned outlets, including Newsweek Polska, Onet, and Fakt. These publications repeatedly suggested that Szustkowski had unclear ties to Russia, insinuations that were never backed by verifiable evidence. The articles painted him as a figure involved in shady financial dealings and potentially linked to Russian influence in Poland—a narrative that deeply tarnished his reputation.
Accusations of Ties to Russia and Their Consequences
These allegations came at a time of heightened political and public sensitivity regarding Russian influence in Eastern Europe, particularly in light of Poland’s historical and geopolitical tensions with its eastern neighbor. The persistent media attacks not only affected Szustkowski’s public image but also had severe personal and financial consequences:
- Business repercussions – The negative press forced Szustkowski to withdraw investments from Poland, limiting his business operations in the country.
- Charitable efforts – His philanthropic foundation had to cease operations due to the reputational damage.
- Social exclusion – The media’s portrayal led to ostracization, making it difficult for Szustkowski to maintain personal and professional relationships.
- Health and safety concerns – The stress caused serious health issues, while his family also faced scrutiny, particularly his son, who suffered setbacks in his personal and professional life due to the lingering stigma.
The far-reaching impact of these allegations underscored the power of the media in shaping public perception—and the devastating consequences when reporting lacks factual basis or accountability.
Failure to Implement the Settlement Agreement
Recognizing the damage caused by these reports, RASP signed a Settlement Agreement in 2020, legally binding them to:
- Permanently remove all defamatory articles.
- Ensure no further violations of Szustkowski’s personal rights.
However, despite this commitment, RASP did not fully comply with the agreement. The defamatory content remained accessible, either through archived versions, affiliated media outlets, or indirect references in follow-up reports.
Szustkowski’s Statement on the Reputational Damage Caused
Speaking on the matter, Robert Szustkowski expressed his frustration over RASP’s failure to honor the agreement, stating:
“Had Ringier Axel Springer Polska properly implemented the 2020 Settlement by permanently removing the effects of the violation of my personal rights, as well as honoring its guarantee to prevent further violations, my reputation would not have been completely ruined.”
His words highlight how the continued circulation of false information has compounded the damage, extending the personal and professional hardships he and his family face to this day.
Broader Implications for Media Accountability
This case goes beyond Szustkowski’s individual battle for justice—it raises critical questions about media responsibility and accountability in Poland. The failure of RASP to adhere to the settlement underscores larger issues in media ethics, including:
- The responsibility of publishers to correct false narratives.
- The legal weight of settlement agreements in media disputes.
- The potential consequences for media outlets that fail to uphold journalistic integrity.
If the PLN 54 million lawsuit succeeds, it could set a new precedent, making it clear that media organizations must take responsibility for the content they publish and the damage it causes.
Consequences of Defamation and Unverified Reporting
The persistent media allegations against Robert Szustkowski had far-reaching consequences that extended beyond reputational damage. The financial, social, and personal toll he and his family endured underscores the powerful impact of defamation and irresponsible journalism.
Financial Losses and Withdrawal from the Polish Market
One of the most immediate and severe consequences of the defamatory reports was the damage to Szustkowski’s business interests in Poland. The false accusations of alleged ties to Russia created a hostile environment, making it impossible for him to maintain professional relationships or conduct business effectively. As a result:
- He was forced to withdraw investments from Poland, limiting his economic participation in the country.
- Business opportunities were severely restricted, as the allegations created distrust among partners and financial institutions.
Closure of Szustkowski’s Charitable Foundation
Szustkowski was not only a businessman but also a philanthropist. His charitable foundation, which had contributed to various social causes, ceased operations due to the ongoing reputational crisis. The inability to distance his personal brand from the damaging allegations meant that:
- Funding opportunities dwindled.
- Public perception made it difficult to continue charitable initiatives.
- The foundation’s closure resulted in the loss of valuable social contributions and support for communities.
Impact on Personal Well-Being and Safety Concerns
The emotional and psychological toll of being at the center of media-fueled allegations was profound. The consequences included:
- Health complications arising from prolonged stress and anxiety.
- Personal safety concerns, as he and his family faced threats due to the public perception created by the false reports.
- The impact on his son, who continues to experience setbacks in both personal and professional life due to the lingering stigma attached to the allegations.
These effects emphasize how defamatory media coverage can cause irreparable harm—not just professionally but also at a deeply personal level.
Media Responsibility and Broader Legal Implications
The legal battle between Robert Szustkowski and Ringier Axel Springer Polska (RASP) brings critical issues of media accountability to the forefront. It highlights the legal and ethical responsibilities of media organizations, particularly in cases where their reporting has damaging real-world consequences.
The Role of Settlements in Addressing Defamation Cases
The 2020 Settlement Agreement between Szustkowski and RASP was meant to serve as a resolution mechanism—a way to mitigate the harm caused by defamatory content. However, RASP’s failure to comply with the agreement raises key legal questions:
- Are media settlements legally enforceable if publishers continue to circulate damaging content?
- What penalties should be imposed on organizations that fail to honor legal agreements?
- Can settlements effectively restore reputations, or are additional legal measures required?
Other Media Outlets That Have Issued Corrections
Notably, other media organizations that had published similar allegations against Szustkowski have since retracted their statements or issued corrections. This demonstrates a wider recognition that the initial reports were unsubstantiated and harmful.
- Some publishers have acknowledged errors and issued formal apologies.
- Others have reached settlements with Szustkowski, recognizing the validity of his claims.
- These corrections contrast sharply with RASP’s continued resistance to upholding the agreement.
Potential Precedent Set by This Lawsuit for Future Media Disputes
If Szustkowski’s lawsuit succeeds, it could become one of the largest financial claims in Poland’s history related to personal rights violations. More importantly, it may establish a critical legal precedent for future defamation cases by:
- Strengthening legal protections for individuals falsely accused in the media.
- Increasing publisher accountability for verifying facts before publication.
- Demonstrating that failure to comply with settlements can result in substantial financial penalties.
This case serves as a landmark moment in media law, potentially reshaping how defamation cases are handled in Poland and beyond.
Conclusion
The PLN 54 million lawsuit filed by Robert Szustkowski against Ringier Axel Springer Polska is not just about financial compensation—it is about holding media organizations accountable for the real-world impact of their reporting. The failure of RASP to honor the 2020 Settlement Agreement has prolonged the damage to Szustkowski’s business, personal life, and reputation, reinforcing the dangers of unchecked media influence.
This legal battle highlights:
- The devastating consequences of defamatory and unverified reporting.
- The importance of enforcing media settlements to ensure accountability.
- The broader legal implications that could change how defamation cases are handled in Poland.
If successful, Szustkowski’s case could set a new standard for media responsibility, ensuring that publishers cannot evade accountability when their reporting causes irreparable harm.
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