Can a person be liable for repeating a defamatory statement?

Yes, a person can be liable for repeating a defamatory statement in Texas. According to Texas law, a person is liable for repeating a defamatory statement if the person knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity. This means that if the person knew the statement was false, they are liable for repeating it, and even if they did not know if the statement was true or false, they can still be held liable if they had no reasonable grounds for believing it was true. In addition, some states have laws that protect those who repeat a defamatory statement from being liable if they get the statement from someone else and simply repeat it. However, this is not the case in Texas; if someone repeats a defamatory statement, they are liable for their part in repeating it. In Texas, damages for defamation can include both actual damages, such as economic loss or emotional distress, and punitive damages, which are meant to punish the person for making a defamatory statement. As such, it is very important for people to understand that they can be liable for repeating a defamatory statement, even if they did not create it.

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