Flint, MI asked in Libel & Slander and Civil Rights for Michigan

Q: Can a business legally sue me for truthful comments made on social media?

I made truthful comments about my experience working for a business and shared them on social media. The business has threatened to sue me through a message, claiming that my comments were harmful. I have a screenshot of the threat. Can they legally pursue action against me?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When you post truthful statements about your work experience, you generally have strong legal protection. Truth is a fundamental defense against defamation claims in most jurisdictions, which means businesses typically cannot successfully sue you merely for sharing factual information about your experience.

However, the legal landscape has some nuances worth considering. While your truthful comments may be protected, businesses might still attempt legal action based on how those comments were presented or their impact on business relationships. Some employment contracts contain non-disparagement clauses that could potentially limit what you can share publicly, even if truthful. These clauses might be enforceable depending on their scope and your jurisdiction's laws.

Your best approach is to gather evidence supporting the truthfulness of your statements and consult with a legal professional who handles employment or defamation cases. They can review the specific threat you received, your employment agreements, and the exact content of your posts to provide guidance tailored to your situation. Remember that while businesses may threaten legal action as an intimidation tactic, they must have legitimate legal grounds to pursue a successful case against truthful statements.

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