Defamation can be slander or libel, where false claims are made to cause harm. Employee defamation is illegal and can prevent them from finding work. Defamation can also occur online, causing harm to individuals, groups, or institutions. Celebrities may also sue publications for libel.
The two most common types of character defamation are slander and libel. Slander generally occurs when an individual willfully and maliciously lies about another person or business to cause emotional or financial harm. Defamation is very similar, because the reason for making false claims is often the same, but it usually comes in the form of a publication, such as in a newspaper or magazine. Libel can also arise in broadcast journalism. Individuals who have suffered emotional pain or financial loss as a result of defamation can sometimes bring a lawsuit against the person or media group who commits this wrongdoing.
Employee defamation can occur when a former employer knowingly makes a false statement intended to prevent a former employee from finding work elsewhere. In many jurisdictions, this behavior is against the law. For example, if a prospective employer calls a previous supervisor to inquire about a candidate and a damaging and incorrect statement is made about the individual, a slander charge may ensue. This is especially damaging when the person is denied a job as a result.
Similarly, defamation can occur in the form of slander if a former employee spreads malicious rumors about an organization or makes disbelieving statements about their former boss. For example, if the former employee wishes to dissuade customers from doing business with an establishment, he may argue that the company engages in illegal activity or overcharges customers. These types of misrepresentations could result in a substantial loss of revenue for the organization.
If a person posts a false and/or intentionally harmful article in one local newspaper to another, the defamation may be considered libel. Finally, defamation on the Internet can appear if the person posts such libelous statements online. In any of these cases, defamation can occur when false allegations or reports are made or written to cause harm to an individual, group or institution.
Libel can also occur when the media publishes inaccurate and mean-spirited statements about celebrities and other high-profile individuals. For example, if an entertainment publication features an article about a movie star, falsely claiming that she is engaged in an extramarital affair or making other scandalous statements, the publication could be guilty of libel. These deceptive claims can be the cause of significant upheaval in the lives and careers of celebrities and their families. As a result, they sometimes file lawsuits against publications that engage in these practices.
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