Defamation suits against fake news

[rumdude]

Creators/spreaders? I'm talking those who spread specific allegations that would be easy to prove as untrue. Why not just sue the F out of pizza gate f-ckers? That pizza shop owner would probably not be classified as a public figure under defamation law. I guess they were public interest stories - but they are so blatantly false. Even those who repeat defamatory statements can be sued - ala Mike Flynn.

[cyclonefence]

1. I like your idea

In the past, defamation suits by public figures were not very useful except in calling more attention to the lies being told. These days are different, though, and I think suing these guys might be a good way of putting them out of business and *maybe* convincing the public that there is no truth in the stories.

What are the elements of a defamation claim?

The elements that must be proved to establish defamation are:

a publication to one other than the person defamed;
a false statement of fact;
that is understood as

a. being of and concerning the plaintiff; and
b. tending to harm the reputation of plaintiff.

If the plaintiff is a public figure, he or she must also prove actual malice.

https://www.eff.org/issues/bloggers/legal/liability/defamation