Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Defamation a Major Concern for Celebrities
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: January 13, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
Tabloids have been around for years, and many of them make money publishing stories about celebrities that stretch the truth.
In certain cases, celebs can take these articles and use them as basis for a defamation lawsuit against the tabloids.
Tom Cruise recently sued Bauer Publishing, which produces In Touch and Life & Style Magazines after the tabloids wrote that Cruise had cut all ties to his daughter after divorcing ex-wife Katie Holmes. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount.
Proving Defamation
In order for Cruise – or any other celebrity – to recoup damages from a tabloid, they first have to prove that the statement published was defamatory, which isn’t easy. Generally, there are four criteria that must be met, including:
- It must be proven that the statement made was false and defamatory
- The unprivileged publication of the statement to a third party, which means not the person who is being defamed
- If the defamatory matter is of public concern, it must be proven that there was fault amounting to at least negligence on part of the publisher
- There has to be damage done to the celebrity
The definition of damages in these cases is broad. For example, defaming a celebrity could prevent them from getting future work – or get them fired from their current job, which would result in financial damages. However, that is not the only way celebrities can claim damages. The most common for is a hurt reputation, which could have many implications on the future of a celebrity. Also, mental anguish can also be claimed as a basis for damages.
No matter what type of damages a celebrity incurs, it is important to understand the defamation law before filing a lawsuit, and an attorney who specializes in the entertainment industry could be a go to person for this matter.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Smart Contract Legal Issues: Drafting Agreements for Blockchain
Smart contracts feature a unique blend of legal agreement and technical code. This innovation has the potential to reshape how business is conducted. At the same time, smart contract legal issues around enforceability, jurisdiction, identity, and compliance are common. The legal framework for these self-executing agreements is still evolving. What Are Smart Contracts? Smart contracts, […]
Author: Bryce S. Robins
Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent?
Retaining top talent continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing employers today. Even in an employer’s market, the loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and result in significant costs. While compensation plays a role, long-term retention often depends on workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. One increasingly popular strategy for improving […]
Author: Angela A. Turiano
Why Secured Transactions Are Important
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.