Defamation a Major Concern for Celebrities

Defamation a Major Concern for Celebrities

In certain cases, celebs can take these articles and use them as basis for a defamation lawsuit against the tabloids.

Tom Cruise recently sued Bauer Publishing, which produces In Touch and Life & Style Magazines after the tabloids wrote that Cruise had cut all ties to his daughter after divorcing ex-wife Katie Holmes. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount.

Proving Defamation

In order for Cruise – or any other celebrity – to recoup damages from a tabloid, they first have to prove that the statement published was defamatory, which isn’t easy. Generally, there are four criteria that must be met, including:

• It must be proven that the statement made was false and defamatory
• The unprivileged publication of the statement to a third party, which means not the person who is being defamed
• If the defamatory matter is of public concern, it must be proven that there was fault amounting to at least negligence on part of the publisher
• There has to be damage done to the celebrity

The definition of damages in these cases is broad. For example, defaming a celebrity could prevent them from getting future work – or get them fired from their current job, which would result in financial damages. However, that is not the only way celebrities can claim damages. The most common for is a hurt reputation, which could have many implications on the future of a celebrity. Also, mental anguish can also be claimed as a basis for damages.

No matter what type of damages a celebrity incurs, it is important to understand the defamation law before filing a lawsuit, and an attorney who specializes in the entertainment industry could be a go to person for this matter.