Libelling someone in fiction
Discussion
Dr Jekyll said:
Suppose I wrote a book in which a reprehensible character committing all sorts of crimes bore a clear resemblance to a famous person who hadn't actually been convicted of anything.
Might the real person sue, or would it be possible to say 'the names different so it wasn't you'? Would the mere fact of not wanting to suggest they resembled a villain be enough to stop them suing?
If there was a danger of being sued, could I protect myself by including a scene where my villain and the real life person were at the same event, thereby implying they weren't the same person?
Well if you write a book about someone who bears a clear resemblance and you intend it to and the book says he has done stuff he hasn’t and you intend that, would you be surprised you may attract trouble?Might the real person sue, or would it be possible to say 'the names different so it wasn't you'? Would the mere fact of not wanting to suggest they resembled a villain be enough to stop them suing?
If there was a danger of being sued, could I protect myself by including a scene where my villain and the real life person were at the same event, thereby implying they weren't the same person?
Why not just go ahead and see what occurs?
Breadvan72 said:
I add re South Park that what used to be termed crude and vulgar abuse is not actionable. Thus extreme satire is not something to be sued on.
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