Defamation: What it is and How to Respond
- Apr 24, 2023
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What is Defamation?
Defamation is a false 1ed statement against a person causing damage to an individual or business? reputation. There are two types of defamation: libel and slander. The key distinction between these two is libel is a permanently written statement whereas slander is verbal and transient. Libel can also include online defamatory comments like emails or on websites or on social media platforms including Instagram and Twitter. While social media can play a significant role in keeping us connected, we as?London defamation solicitors?recognise the harmful impact that comments made online can have on individuals. A person?s reputation is incredibly important; they determine future opportunities and relationships. As a result, any damage done to one?s individual reputation can have disastrous consequences. Similarly, the impact of posting damaged and harmful content online is disastrous for businesses. This is so; because social media plays an ever-increasing strategic role in business and digital marketing.How to Respond
When a client?s reputation is jeopardised, Taylor Hampton?s team acts quickly to intervene. To bring a successful claim in defamation, it must be shown that the statement: 1) was made to somebody other than the claimant; 2) has caused or would be likely to cause serious harm to the claimant?s reputation ((Defamation Act 2013, s. 1(1)). Harm to the reputation of a body that trades for profit is not ?serious harm? unless it has caused or is likely to cause the body serious financial loss (Defamation Act 2013, s. 1(2))); 3) may expose the claimant to contempt, dislike, hatred or ridicule. 4) may cause the claimant to be shunned by society or avoided by people; and 5) was clearly applicable to the claimant, although they do not necessarily have to be named.However, a defamatory statement may be defended by the following defences:
- Truth
- Honest opinion;
- Publication on a matter of public interest;
- Privilege (qualified or absolute)
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