Q: Can I sue my ex-wife for defamation of character?
I received a message from a mutual friend who it’s a screenshot of her telling him she was glad to get out of an “abusive relationship”. I have previously had other people, namely fellow church members, ask things like why did I hit her, etc.
None of this is true. My daughter (16 years old) has even said she would testify to a judge that the opposite is true.
I have lost a lot of friends and my church over this garbage. Most of it was spread while I was out of the state and could not defend myself.
I do not know how this could affect me in the future, but, it is a serious (false) accusation. Mostly, I would want her to recant her statement, and perhaps regain some of my reputation.
A: Yes. If you can prove that your ex made a false statement of fact about you which disparages your reputation and was believed by others causing you to lose some amount of money that can be calculated with reasonable certainty, you could prevail on a claim for libel or slander.
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