{"id":12862,"date":"2025-07-26T09:48:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T09:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/?p=12862"},"modified":"2026-03-17T15:04:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T15:04:37","slug":"how-to-prove-defamation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/how-to-prove-defamation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prove Defamation: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221; el_id=&#8221;blogmain&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1663844169166{padding-right: 10% !important;}&#8221;][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;slideInLeft&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_id=&#8221;leftsection&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#two\">What Is Considered Defamation Under U.S. Law?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#three\">What Are the Legal Elements You Must Prove?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#four\">How Does Your Legal Status Affect Your Burden of Proof?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#five\">What Evidence Should You Collect to Strengthen Your Case?<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#six\">What\u2019s the Timeline to File a Defamation Lawsuit?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#eight\">What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Proving Defamation?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#nine\">Example Case: Business Reputation Loss<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"scrollTo\" href=\"#twelve\">Frequently Asked Questions About Defamation<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; el_id=&#8221;rightsection&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;one&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proving defamation isn\u2019t just about identifying a false statement\u00a0 it&#8217;s about meeting specific legal thresholds. Whether you&#8217;re the target of a damaging online review or a victim of a malicious social media post, understanding how to legally establish defamation is key to recovering damages and restoring your reputation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we walk you through the <\/span><b>five legal elements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> required to prove defamation, how public vs. private figure status affects your case, and the types of evidence courts look for. Learn how to strengthen your case and avoid common pitfalls in both<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/online-defamation\/\"> <b>online defamation<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/social-media-defamation\/\"> <b>social media libel<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> claims.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Ocean Global Technology offers expert services to assist individuals and businesses in understanding defamation claims, building strong evidence, and navigating legal challenges effectively.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;cta-1-left&#8221; width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1654853436250{margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/background-cta.png?id=13450) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_text_separator title=&#8221;Related&#8221; title_align=&#8221;separator_align_left&#8221; align=&#8221;align_left&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; border_width=&#8221;2&#8243; el_width=&#8221;10&#8243; accent_color=&#8221;#03315d&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What is Cyberbullying?&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2303315d&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Read More&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#03315d&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; align=&#8221;left&#8221; el_class=&#8221;border-btm-btn&#8221; link=&#8221;url:%23&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;cta-1-right&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1654853237778{padding-top: 22px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13469&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1654775297648{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 38px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 38px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;two&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is Considered Defamation Under U.S. Law?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defamation is a false statement presented as a fact that injures another\u2019s reputation. It can be written (libel) or spoken (slander), and must be shared with a third party to be legally actionable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Restatement (Second) of Torts \u00a7 558, defamation consists of (a) a false and defamatory statement; (b) unprivileged publication to a third party; (c) fault amounting to at least negligence; and (d) harm, either presumed or proven.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Two Types of Defamation:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Libel<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Written or published (e.g., blog, tweet, review)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Slander<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Spoken or oral (e.g., podcast, video)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restatement (Second) of Torts \u00a7 568 (1977)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains libel as written defamation and slander as spoken, both actionable if proven harmful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For digital cases,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/internet-defamation\/\"> <b>internet defamation<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is usually categorized as libel.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12866 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/How-to-Prove-Defamation-and-Calculate-Damages-3.jpg\" alt=\"How to Prove Defamation and Calculate Damages\" width=\"588\" height=\"392\" \/>Image Credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/premium-photo\/side-view-young-woman-playing-mobile-phone-famous-backpacker-street-khao-san-bangkok-thailand_21849164.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freepik<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;three&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Are the Legal Elements You Must Prove?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To win a defamation case, you must prove these five elements (see <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restatement (Second) of Torts \u00a7 558<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Element<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Description<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. False Statement<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The statement must be objectively false opinions are not enough.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Publication<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It must be communicated to someone other than you.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Identification<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You (or your business) must be clearly identified.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Harm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The statement caused reputational, emotional, or financial damage.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Fault<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negligence or actual malice must be proven, depending on your status.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Related:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/defamation-damages\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Defamation Damages Are Calculated<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>Fact vs Opinion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A statement presented as opinion might still be actionable if it implies a false fact. This principle was clarified in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milkovich v. Lorain Journal Co.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 497 U.S. 1 (1990), where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that even \u201copinions\u201d can be defamatory if they imply false factual assertions.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;four&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>How Does Your Legal Status Affect Your Burden of Proof?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts apply different standards based on your <\/span><b>legal classification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Status<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Standard of Fault<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Legal Basis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private Individual<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negligence<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323 (1974)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public Figure<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actual Malice (knowledge of falsity)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This classification affects the <\/span><b>types of defamation damages<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you may recover.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0See:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/defamation-of-character-lawsuits-punishment-and-legal-remedies\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Punitive Damages in Defamation Lawsuits<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;five&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Evidence Should You Collect to Strengthen Your Case?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The strength of your case lies in your documentation. Essential types of evidence include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Screenshots<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of defamatory content<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Archived URLs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (use the Wayback Machine)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Client loss statements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., canceled contracts)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medical or psychological evaluations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (for emotional distress)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expert witness analysis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 See our guide on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/internet-defamation-expert-witness\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internet defamation expert witnesses<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need to claim emotional harm? See<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/emotional-distress-damages-2\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional Distress Damages<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12868 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/How-to-Prove-Defamation-and-Calculate-Damages-4.jpg\" alt=\"How to Prove Defamation and Calculate Damages\" width=\"616\" height=\"411\" \/>Image Credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-photo\/judges-gavel-book-wooden-table-law-justice-concept-background_4351466.htm#query=regulation&amp;position=12&amp;from_view=keyword\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Freepik<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>What\u2019s the Timeline to File a Defamation Lawsuit?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each state has a statute of limitations for filing a defamation claim, typically <\/span><b>1\u20132 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consider filing:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You may file in the state where:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Harm occurred<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Publisher resides<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Platform is based (e.g., Twitter, Reddit)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Read:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/protection-against-online-defamation\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protection Against Online Defamation<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1654079830380{background-color: #0b4c89 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;cta-2-sec&#8221;][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;cta-2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1654084713893{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Group-338.png?id=13390) !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Take Action Against Defamation&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protect your reputation today with expert legal support from Blue Ocean Global Technology<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;Schedule a Call&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1732276925276{margin-right: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;solid-button-1&#8243; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Fblue-ocean-global-team|target:_blank&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Contact Us&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1732276936315{margin-right: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;padding-top: 2% !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;solid-button-1&#8243; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blueoceanglobaltech.com%2Fcontact-us%2F|target:_blank&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;eight&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Proving Defamation?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid these pitfalls when proving defamation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reacting emotionally or replying to defamatory posts publicly<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Not capturing timestamped evidence<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Waiting too long (statute of limitations)<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>\u00a0Filing without legal guidance or witness support<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real cases:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/cases-of-online-defamation\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online Defamation Case Studies<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;nine&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Example Case: Business Reputation Loss<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A SaaS founder falsely accused of financial fraud on Reddit lost a $300K investor. With screenshots, archived Reddit posts, and a reputation expert\u2019s affidavit, they secured $75,000 in damages and content takedown.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a 2024 Idaho case, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Posey v. Bushnell<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a jury awarded over <\/span><b>$1.1 million<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to a performer after defamatory videos falsely accused him of exposing himself at a public event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another landmark case, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obsidian Finance Group v. Cox<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (9th Cir., 2014), resulted in a <\/span><b>$2.5 million judgment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> against a blogger who published defamatory content without verification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Explore:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/defamation-law\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defamation Law Guide<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12869 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/How-to-Prove-Defamation-and-Calculate-Damages-2.jpg\" alt=\"How to Prove Defamation and Calculate Damages \" width=\"624\" height=\"416\" \/>Image Credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-photo\/cropped-view-professional-serious-finance-manager-holding-calculator-hands-checking-company-month-s-profits_8225521.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Freepik <\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;twelve&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs on Proving Defamation<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Can I sue someone for a false online review?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes , especially if it includes false claims and impacts your income or reputation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What if they used a fake name or anonymous account?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can subpoena platforms like Yelp, Google, or Reddit for metadata or IP logs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can I win damages without financial loss?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, general and nominal damages are available even without income loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Learn how to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/defamation-damages\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">claim defamation damages<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1654856910875{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Rectangle-102.png?id=13271) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;cta-3-2 cta-3-1 cta-3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Secure Your Reputation Now&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:40|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Speak with our experts to understand your legal options and start building your defense.&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:p|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1747360372307{padding-bottom: 12px !important;}&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Request a Call Back&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1732276993947{margin-right: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;solid-button-1 popmake-17237&#8243; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blueoceanglobaltech.com%2Fcontact-us%2F|target:_blank&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Send Us an Email&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1732277005419{margin-right: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;border-button-2 border-button-2-dark&#8221; link=&#8221;url:mailto%3A%20info%40blueoceanglobaltech.com|target:_blank&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Actionable and damaging defamatory statements can affect a person or a company&#8217;s reputation badly. To save yourself, you shall know how to prove defamation and calculate damages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":12871,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,27,51,545],"tags":[241,78,119,32],"class_list":["post-12862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-education","category-online-reputation-management","category-reputation-management","tag-how-to-prove-defamation","tag-internet-defamation","tag-online-defamation","tag-online-reputation-management","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12862"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24915,"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12862\/revisions\/24915"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blueoceanglobaltech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}