Defamation is when someone tells one or more persons an untruth about you, and that untruth harms your reputation. Defamation is the general term, while slander and libel refer to particular types of defamation. Libel is a written defamation, and slander is verbal.

What happens if someone defames you?

In some states, libel can sometimes be charged as a crime and be punishable by a fine and jail time. However, in California, people who have been defamed are limited to their right to recover damages in a civil lawsuit.

What to do if someone is defaming me?

So what do you do if you think you have been defamed? The most important thing is to send a Concerns Notice, demanding an apology and retraction. You must do this first and allow the other person time to respond before you can commence court action.