Last Update: 11/14/19
Defamation lawsuits (libel and slander claims) seem to be on the rise, with injured parties seeking big money damages. Here are a few examples of defamation cases that made the news:
1. Casey Anthony Sued for Defamation by Zenaida Gonzalez and Roy Kronk
The latest in the two Florida defamation lawsuits filed against Casey Anthony by Zenaida Gonzalez and Roy Kronk was a motion filed on behalf of Casey Anthony trying to block the defamation claims based upon federal bankruptcy law (Anthony has filed bankruptcy).
Gonzalez is suing Anthony over allegations that Gonzalez was defamed by continuing statements by Anthony that Gonzalez was responsible for the disappearance of toddler Caylee Anthony.
Kronk is suing Anthony on allegations that Kronk was defamed by Anthony in statements that claimed not only was Kronk responsible for the death of Caylee Anthony but that Kronk also tampered with evidence in the case.
2. Ex-girlfriend nude photos posted online form basis for Minnesota defamation case
In St. Paul, a 19 year old man uploaded some photos of his former girlfriend onto the web and after her new boyfriend discovered them online, he called the cops. Apparently the young woman was not of legal age when the photos were taken and now the ex-boyfriend is facing state criminal defamation charges. No word on whether or not a civil defamation lawsuit will be filed by the girl based upon the comments that her ex-boyfriend posted to accompany the images.
In everyone’s fury to find those responsible for the bombing at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the New York Post published a photo on its front page of two teenage boys, Salaheddin Barhoum and Yassine Zaimi, and describing them as “Bag Men” in the operation. This was inaccurate: these two boys were two runners there to watch the marathon. One is a high school student (Barhoum) and the other is in college. No other news publication ran the story, just the NY Post.
Now, the New York Post is facing a defamation lawsuit brought by Barhoum and Zaimi based upon defamation (libel) as well as negligent infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy.
4. ESPN Sued for Defamation by Former Syracuse Basketball Coach Bernie Fine
Former Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine is suing ESPN for defamation and the latest news is that the case has been removed to federal court. Fine is basing his case on allegations he was defamed by statements made during ESPN broadcasts in November 2011 where it was said that two former ball boys had made claims that Fine had molested them more than 20 years ago even though no charges were ever filed and Fine says the events never happened.
5. Real Housewife of Atlanta Sues Landlord for Defamation
Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore is suing her former landlord for defamation, alleging that her eviction was faked for reality TV reasons by the landlord, not because Moore had not paid her rent. This case is a defensive one, filed as a counterclaim to the landlord’s lease/eviction claims.
Read: How To Recover Emotional Distress Damages Without a Physical Injury in Florida
What Should You Do?
A good piece of advice if you have been harmed by defamation, is to at least speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer before you file a claim to learn about some of the issues that can arise with these claims, including the type of evidence needed to prove a claim and the type and amount of damages you can recover. Most personal injury lawyers, like Alan Sackrin, will offer a free initial consultation (over the phone or in person) to answer your questions.
Related:
- Defenses to Libel and Slander Claims
- Can You Sue for a Bad Review?
- Defamation Per Se And Punitive Damages
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Do you have questions or comments? Then please feel free to send Alan an email or call him now at (954) 458-8655.