What kinds of statements constitute defamation?

In Texas, defamation of character is a civil lawsuit based on a false statement about an individual that has caused harm. The types of statements that may constitute defamation in Texas include written defamation, or libel, and spoken defamation, or slander. Libel is a false written statement about an individual that seeks to harm their reputation. It could be published in a newspaper, magazine, or even online. Examples of libel include writing something that is factually incorrect about a person, such as writing that someone has been convicted of a crime they didn’t commit or writing something that is true but damaging to reputation. Slander is a false spoken statement about an individual that seeks to harm their reputation. Examples of slander include making false accusations about a person’s character or conduct, such as saying someone has stolen money or cheated on a spouse. It is important to note that false statements that are made with malicious intent are considered more serious than those that are made without proper research or consideration. Additionally, simply stating that someone is a bad person or repeating a true statement that was made with malicious intent can still be considered defamation.

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What kinds of statements constitute defamation?

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