Background email libel?

[Fredneck]

State of MD

I have a friend who emailed several people regarding a local election. It regarded the activities of a candidate in that election. The emails were not posted in a public forum though they were discussed in a thread in general terms without mentioning specifics (mostly as to whether it was ethical to email such background). Now, months later, it turns out that someone forwarded the email to the candidate in question and a letter was sent demanding they apologize (via email) and disavow the emails or a libel suit will be brought. As near as I can discern, it was a limited group (under 10) of recipients, some out of the jurisdiction, and did little or nothing to affect the election.

The candidate was an elected official for more than 15 years and is a public figure who I believe is doing nothing more than intimidation via the threat of pre-trial discovery. I further believe that if my friend calls the candidate's bluff, since they swear the incidents are accurate, the candidate will back down as they do not want these incidents publicized and verified in open court.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

State of MD

I have a friend who emailed several people regarding a local election. It regarded the activities of a candidate in that election. The emails were not posted in a public forum though they were discussed in a thread in general terms without mentioning specifics (mostly as to whether it was ethical to email such background). Now, months later, it turns out that someone forwarded the email to the candidate in question and a letter was sent demanding they apologize (via email) and disavow the emails or a libel suit will be brought. As near as I can discern, it was a limited group (under 10) of recipients, some out of the jurisdiction, and did little or nothing to affect the election.

The candidate was an elected official for more than 15 years and is a public figure who I believe is doing nothing more than intimidation via the threat of pre-trial discovery. I further believe that if my friend calls the candidate's bluff, since they swear the incidents are accurate, the candidate will back down as they do not want these incidents publicized and verified in open court.

Thanks in advance.

Your friend is an idiot.
First, it matters not how many people have read the e-mail. All it takes to sustain a case of libel is one communicator and one recipient.

And it matters not the vehicle used to communicate.

As to whether or not the e-mail IS or IS NOT libel cannot be assertained without first reading the e-mail and getting a complete history of the parties.

Suffice it to say your friend either apologizes and disavows the e-mail or she hires an attorney to defend her actions.

 

[Fredneck]

Your friend is an idiot.

Extremely naive, giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks for the one recipient answer as that is what I have been trying to tell them.