What constitutes defamation of character?
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What constitutes defamation of character?
I left a job that I had been employed at for only one month. My old manager sent a message to staff informing them that I now work at a “24 hour massage parlor” now, which is not true. I have the message, as well as witnesses and an apology message from him. I was wondering if I have grounds for a case regarding defamation of character, as several people have informed me they have heard the rumor that was said.
Asked on July 23, 2014 under Personal Injury, Massachusetts
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
A false statement that is "published" - spoken or written - that is false and causes injury to another. It must also be unprivileged. If it is spoken it is known as "slander." The point of defamation law is to take care of injuries to reputation. So in suing for defamation you must show how your reputation was hurt by the false statement. If because of the statement you can not find a job or it has held you up to ridicule then speak with some one. Good luck.
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