Houston, TX asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Education Law and Federal Crimes for Texas

Q: What to do when someone threatened to blackmail someone on something that isn’t true?

My girlfriend is a teacher at a middle school and has a TikTok with a lot of followers. Last night we were at IHOP with some friends and she made a comment about some names given to people will lower their chances of getting hired in the future. It’s literally a fact on google. So today someone commented on her TikTok saying they heard her saying some racist stuff and if they didn’t give her money then they will get her fired. She blocked them and took screenshots but she is still shaken up by it. Her school assistant principal said she is fine and that stuff like that happens all the time. Me and my friends said she didn’t say anything wrong at all, and it is just a fact on google. What should she do in this situation and how do I help her feel better?

1 Lawyer Answer
John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Houston, TX

A: The only concern would be DEFAMING someone. That is when you say a false statement about someone. Truth is always available to publish or say out-loud.

LMK if you need more info.

I hope this helps.

Penny Wymyczak-White agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.