People frequently share stories that are partially true or completely fabricated. Gossip has a way of evolving from one person to the next.
Anyone who ever played the childhood game telephone, where people whisper a phrase from one person to the next, knows how stories can change over time. The phrase repeated by the last person may be nothing like what the first person said.
Gossip can harm an individual’s career or a business’s reputation. In some cases, gossip may cross the line and become actionable defamation.
When does gossip become a legal issue?
Two main elements separate defamatory speech from basic gossip. The first difference between gossip and defamation is accuracy. Gossip typically has at least some basis in reality. Defamatory statements by definition are inaccurate and untruthful, but people present them as though they are fact.
The second important difference is that gossip simply causes social issues, but defamation can have real-world consequences. Defamation of a professional or business might result in a drop in revenue and permanent reputation damage within the local community.
When unsavory stories cross the line and become defamation, the individuals or businesses affected by the stories that people share may need to take legal action. Those who can reasonably demonstrate in court that statements were false may be able to seek compensation from the party engaging in defamation. They may also be able to request a court injunction preventing ongoing defamation.
Reviewing the situation that has led to concerns about defamation can help the affected individuals or businesses explore their options. Taking legal action can help a business or professional harmed by defamation redeem themselves and prevent further damages.