Q: Do I have a defamation case after being publicly shamed on Facebook for whistleblowing?

A: You might have a potential defamation case, as the Facebook post publicly accused you of harmful actions, was widely shared, and caused you measurable damages including social ostracism, fear, relocation, loss of friendships, and reputation damage. For a successful defamation claim, you would need to prove the statements made about you were false, were communicated to others (which appears evident through likes and shares), and directly caused your damages.

The timeline is important, as most states have a one-year statute of limitations for defamation claims, so with eight months having passed, you should consult with a lawyer promptly. Documentation will be crucial—save screenshots of the original post, comments, engagement metrics, and any related communications, as well as evidence of your damages such as therapy bills, moving expenses, or lost income.

The context of whistleblowing adds complexity to your case, as courts often provide additional protections to those who report illegal activity, especially involving the safety of minors. While the private semi-apology might be helpful evidence, the fact it wasn't made public speaks to the continuing nature of your reputational harm. Remember that defamation cases can be challenging to win and emotionally taxing, but you deserve to have your reputation protected, particularly when your actions helped safeguard vulnerable individuals.