Q: Is this libel? "I would hate to see Mulligan Restorations butcher your historic home the way he butchered mine."
The contractor has no credentials to substantiate his claim that he is an expert in historic restoration. 4 bona fide experts in historic restoration have assessed the work he did on my house and have provided me with written reports outlining the deficiencies in every part of his work. I sued the contractor and received a settlement from his insurance companies. Can he sue me for libel?
A: In order to prevail on a defamation claim (written defamation is called libel; verbal defamation is called slander), the statements have to be false. If the statements are true, then it is not defamation. However, you likely signed a settlement agreement that has confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses. Your statement would be violation of those clauses.
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