Libeled

To have published a false statement that harms someone's reputation; to have been the subject of a libelous statement. Libel involves the written or published communication of a statement that injures another person's reputation. It must be communicated to a third party and be demonstrably false. The act of libeling can result in legal action, with the harmed individual or entity able to sue for damages. The severity of the damage to the reputation and the intent of the person making the statement factor into the outcome of any potential lawsuit. Truth is a defense against libel.

Libeled meaning with examples

• The newspaper was sued because it was believed that they had libeled the actress when they published a story claiming that she had been involved in a scandal. The actress asserted that the story was fabricated and caused her significant reputational damage. Her lawyers argued that the publication failed to adequately verify its sources before printing the story. This made it a clear case of libel, they said.
• During the heated political campaign, the candidate frequently claimed that his opponent had libeled him in a series of television advertisements. He said the ads contained false accusations about his business dealings. The campaign staff prepared to launch a lawsuit. These statements, he argued, were designed to sway public opinion by tarnishing his character and his campaign's reputation with demonstrably false claims.
• The social media user posted a series of tweets about a local business owner, and was soon accused of having libeled him. The tweets included claims of financial impropriety and unethical business practices. After reviewing the posts, the business owner hired a lawyer, to explore legal options and seek monetary damages. The social media user was warned that they could be subject to legal action if the information was proven false.
• After an unauthorized biography was released, the subject believed that they had been libeled. The biography contained numerous inaccuracies. The subject claimed that the author had intentionally fabricated stories and misrepresented facts to sensationalize the book and sell copies. The book, they argued, had caused irreparable harm to his reputation. This caused the actor to take steps to prepare a lawsuit
• The online reviewer, famous for their harsh commentary, had inadvertently libeled a new restaurant. They had written a negative review based on hearsay and misconstrued information. The restaurant’s lawyer sent a cease and desist letter citing specific false statements that had damaged the business. They requested a retraction and an apology for the defamation. This action, if not resolved, could lead to the reviewer getting sued.