B
boomersmom
Guest
I live in Ohio.
I have a friend who has become the object of obsession of an apparently mentally disturbed cousin. This cousin recently began a letter-writing campaign to as many members of their rather large family as she could reach, stating (falsely) in these letters that my friend raped her over 20 years ago when they were teenagers at the family's annual beach trip. My friend absolutely denies the allegations, but is aware that it is his word against hers.
Although this is causing much worry and distress for my friend and other members of his family (especially regarding the health of their 91-year-old grandmother, who also received a letter), he has not yet sustained any financial damages. It isn't yet clear whether any of the extended family believe the outrageous claims or not. What concerns my friend is the possiblity that the cousin will expand her horizons and send letters to his friends, neighbors, employer, etc.
The questions: at what point does this become harrassment and/or libel - thus allowing my friend be able to take some action to stop her? Are there any immediate specific steps he can/should take in order to solidify his case?
Thanks,
Boomer's Mom
I have a friend who has become the object of obsession of an apparently mentally disturbed cousin. This cousin recently began a letter-writing campaign to as many members of their rather large family as she could reach, stating (falsely) in these letters that my friend raped her over 20 years ago when they were teenagers at the family's annual beach trip. My friend absolutely denies the allegations, but is aware that it is his word against hers.
Although this is causing much worry and distress for my friend and other members of his family (especially regarding the health of their 91-year-old grandmother, who also received a letter), he has not yet sustained any financial damages. It isn't yet clear whether any of the extended family believe the outrageous claims or not. What concerns my friend is the possiblity that the cousin will expand her horizons and send letters to his friends, neighbors, employer, etc.
The questions: at what point does this become harrassment and/or libel - thus allowing my friend be able to take some action to stop her? Are there any immediate specific steps he can/should take in order to solidify his case?
Thanks,
Boomer's Mom
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