Does a plaintiff need to prove actual knowledge or reckless disregard in a libel case?

In the state of Oklahoma, a plaintiff must be able to prove actual knowledge or reckless disregard in order to prove a case of libel. Libel is a type of defamation that occurs when a false statement is made either through written words, pictures, or recordings that cause harm to an individual’s reputation. When a plaintiff claims they have been defamed, they must show that the defendant had actual knowledge or reckless disregard in making the statement. This means that the defendant must have been aware that the statement was false at the time it was made. If the defendant did not have actual knowledge of the statement’s falsity or showed a substantial and unjustifiable disregard for the truth, then the plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted with reckless disregard. Reckless disregard is different from negligence. Negligence means that the defendant should have known that the statement was false or should have done more to research the facts before they made the statement. On the other hand, reckless disregard implies that the defendant was aware of the statement’s falsity but went ahead and made the statement anyway. In Oklahoma, proving actual knowledge or reckless disregard in a libel case is necessary for a plaintiff to be successful in their case. Without this proof, the plaintiff may lose their case, even if the statement was defamatory.

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Does a plaintiff need to prove actual knowledge or reckless disregard in a libel case?

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