Entertainers of various types and at different stages in their careers may need an entertainment attorney to help them negotiate contracts for better terms or represent them if their work was stolen by someone else. Another case where an entertainment lawyer can be absolutely imperative is in a defamation case. What is defamation exactly? Learn more below.
Defamation Defined
Defamation occurs when a person or organization makes a false claim or statement about another person with malicious intent that harms their reputation. False narratives can drastically harm a person’s brand, and they can make it difficult for entertainers to find work in the already competitive industry.
There are two types of defamation in the United States, slander and libel. Slander is spoken misinformation, and libel is written. Defamation in the United States can be complicated and difficult to prove, as false light laws often allow people to say misleading things that aren’t technically false.
Examples of Defamation
An example of slander, spoken defamation, would be if an actor posted a video online discussing another actor’s drug use, or other negative claims, that do not reflect reality. This can greatly affect how the public views the individual in question, and it can ruin their brand and financial situation relatively quickly.
Another example, one of libel or written defamation, would be if someone posted lies about you in the form of an Instagram post, Facebook status, or tweet. These are more modern forms of libel, but libel can also include full-length articles or blurbs in the print media.
When to Sue for Defamation
In order to have a case for defamation, especially among entertainers, you will have to be able to prove that the statement in question was false and damaging, that it was about you, that it was published on a third party, and that it was irresponsible of the person who published it.
An entertainment lawyer will be able to review your situation to determine if you have a viable case for defamation, and it’s best to speak with a lawyer as quickly as possible after the event occurs. Some people may think that defamation is reserved for only big-time entertainers, but “limited public figures” and “involuntary public figures” can also sue for defamation.
Limited public figures are typically thought of as “common people” who participate on television show contests and become known to the public. Involuntary public figures are people who become known without effort, such as those involved in high-profile court cases.
Speak with an Entertainment Lawyer Sooner Rather than Later
It can be distressing to hear lies about yourself circulating in the public sphere, especially when you have worked hard for years to build up your reputation. An entertainment lawyer can provide you the support you need to prove defamation and get compensation for the damage a person or organization caused to your reputation and career prospects.
You don’t have to face defamation on your own, and you deserve to see justice served for the lies and false narratives that you have endured.
