Character Defamation??

[gailp]

I was fired from a condominium office position for political reasons when a new Board of Directors was voted in. The new President stated to witnesses that he fired me because he could not fire my friend (who still sits on the Board) who he dislikes intensely,he fired me. He had every legal right to fire me so even though it was unfair, I accepted it. However, he stated in an open meeting of the Board, when questioned as to the reason I was fired, that the reason was that I called attorneys on Board business matters without being authorized to do this. This is a lie (which I can prove). I do not feel he should be able to freely state this in posted Minutes for all to see. I responded to the Minutes that I would like my rebuttal letter posted also or I would take legal action. This he refused to do. Do I have character defamation case? I live in Florida.

 

[JETX]

You might have had your feelings hurt, but how were you 'damaged'?? Are you able to show that the statements have prevented you from getting or doing your job?? Have they caused you to subject to public riducule to the extent to be emotionally harmed???

Defamation is: "communication to third parties of false statements about a person that injure the reputation of or deter others from associating with that person"
Slander is: "defamation of a person by unprivileged oral communication made to a third party"

This is nothing but schoolyard 'name calling' raised to the level of board minutes. Assuming that the Board has an open policy for rebuttal, use it. Call this 'scandalous' board member "out", let him and everyone else know that he is a liar, a cheat and a low-life scum IN YOUR OPINION. Heck, you might even introduce a letter from the Boards attorney stating that you never did what was claimed.

Summary: No, you have no viable claim of defamation or slander. Save your money and energy for more important challenges.