Defamation
“The term ‘defamation’ describes a statement that causes harm to the character of the person or
organisation it concerns. Importantly, such statements can cause a business or individual to start legal
proceedings. Defamation can often be accused with libel and slander.”
The system is more in place to benefit influential figures whose profession is dependent on the
maintenance of their reputation. In the past five years, there have been two high profile defamation
cases - being Rebekah Vardy vs Coleen Rooney, and Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard.
In the UK, in life everyone has a right to their reputation - this is why, in death, we learn of the crimes
of many celebrities, most notoriously in 2011, the public learned of Jimmy Saville sexual abuse
crimes, which although was rumoured during his life, was not confirmed until after his death.
- “The law of defamation allows individuals, companies or firms to sue for damage to their
reputation caused by material that is published and which makes defamatory comments about
them.” - BBC.
9
“The term ‘defamation’ describes a statement that causes harm to the character of the person or
organisation it concerns. Importantly, such statements can cause a business or individual to start legal
proceedings. Defamation can often be accused with libel and slander.”
The system is more in place to benefit influential figures whose profession is dependent on the
maintenance of their reputation. In the past five years, there have been two high profile defamation
cases - being Rebekah Vardy vs Coleen Rooney, and Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard.
In the UK, in life everyone has a right to their reputation - this is why, in death, we learn of the crimes
of many celebrities, most notoriously in 2011, the public learned of Jimmy Saville sexual abuse
crimes, which although was rumoured during his life, was not confirmed until after his death.
- “The law of defamation allows individuals, companies or firms to sue for damage to their
reputation caused by material that is published and which makes defamatory comments about
them.” - BBC.
9
