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libel law
Does anyone know whether, in U.S. law defamation of character (ie. libel or slander) has to be relayed to a third party to become actionable, or is it actionable when between just two people.
Eg. I think my ex-boyfriend is a pedophile, but am unsure and have no evidence, and I email him accusing him of pedophilia, is that libel? Or is it only libel if I email the townspeople, or post a public flyer?
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Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Random Weirdos?
Don't go gathering torches and mobs just yet. He might just get you in trouble with the law if you have no evidence and are making a public spectacle of him. What you should do is talk to the police about why you suspect him. They can run an investigation that is legal if they think you have enough to go on. Leave it to the police, and then leave him alone.
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You are not libel if you are only telling him. That is at worst insulting him. Libel is basically when you make an inflammatory statement in a publication. Defamation or slander is when you put something out there for public "consumption" i.e. a song, something said on tv or radio.
So if he is threatening you with libel then he is full of crap and talking out of his ass. Also good for you that you are having the courage to name and shame him and not hiding your head in the sand as many women are apt to do.
Hope this clears that up for you.
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