Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Defamation of character

I am writing a blog on a true incident that happened to me relative to a man and his deceased wife, who turns up not deceased (he lied). I have changed the names so it is not obvious to the reader who they are (other than to say he is the voice talent of a well-known icon), however, am wondering what the laws are re: defamation of character. Is there any way I could be sued? I heard that the only way one could win a lawsuit is if the story is not true.


Asked on 4/13/08, 1:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Defamation of character

You should win a defamation claim if your story is true, but you still might lose an invasion-of-privacy claim. Making the character in your story hard to recognize will strengthen your position, but some readers may still be able to figure out who you are discussing. The subject of your blog may be able to sue you successfully if he can show that someone realized you were writing about him and if your writing reveals sensitive details about his life.

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Answered on 4/13/08, 3:16 pm


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