Defamation
Brand Reputation and Your Right To Reputation (1)
I dedicate this article to anyone who experienced false accusation or reputational damage.
The recent defamation trial between John C. Depp, II v. Amber Laura Heard was one of the most watched case involving public figures in recent times. In this trial Depp tried to restore his reputation as a professional actor after suffered significant losses and banned from movies due to false allegations made by Heard towards to him. Heard made these false statements through a newspaper causing libel (2) under the law of torts.
However, you do not need to be a public figure to receive such an unpleasant assault. In fact, with the growth of social media platforms and forums anyone can “launch a deliberate attack on your reputation, fired off a post in anger or innocently repeated a defamatory statement made by a third party.”(3)
It is very important to keep an open mind when encountering a statement or review made through a third-party platform, as in many cases, the source is not verified. Even if the source is verified via the platform, it does not necessarily mean the source was ever in contact with the defendant. I believe there is still work to be done and many opportunities to develop and create platforms that protect individuals' privacy and verify all parties.
If you ever experienced defamation, online harassment or bulling please do not feel ashamed there are dedicated platforms to help you to overcome and bring back your confidence. My sessions are also focusing to let go of any negative energy or thoughts you might have and help you to turn your fears into motivation.
Thanks
Catherine
(1) Reputation Protection, Defamation & Privacy Protecting your reputation, Freeths
Reputation Protection, Defamation & Privacy | Freeths
(2) Ben Evans, 28 July 2014, A Brief Guide To The Tort Of Defamation, Blake Morgan
A brief guide to the tort of defamation - BM Insights - Blake Morgan
(3) Defamed on social media, Brett Wilson LLP