defamation of character on TV

[VANYDana]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Virginia

I am part of a student based television studio (works under the university) that produces programs that can only be seen by people who live on campus. Recently, a co-producer put a picuture of myself into one of his shows without my permission. Without going into too much detail about the picture itself...it depicts me doing a very embarrassing act. He claims that everyone else (those who are in his show) approves of it, and that is why he put it in, along with the statement that "it is a good prank". The context that the picture is put in is a lie as well. Figuring that he is the producer, director, and editor of the show he has all the responsibility for what is shown on it.

First, is the fact that he put an embarrasing picture of me in a show that will be seen around campus defamation of character?? Let me make it clear that I did not give him this picture in the first place. The act that this picture portrays has the possibility of completly destroying the immage I have at the univerity.

Second, if I have the ability to sue, do I sue the school for allowing something like this to be aired or the producer of the show??

Thanks for any advice that can be given.

 

[john123456]

In order for anyone to respond, you need to provide a link to the show .

 

[MST]

First, is the fact that he put an embarrasing picture of me in a show that will be seen around campus defamation of character??

No, Defamation of character is speaking or writing a false statement about someone that hurts their reputation, such as saying you did something illegal when you didn't. If it's a picture of you doing something you in fact did, it can't possibly be defamation. It doesn't matter how embarassing it is.

Even putting that aside, you may have to prove there was damage done, i.e. what harm has this caused you? If you knew a picture was being taken and others were there as well, this hurts any remaining case you may have anyway. (Let us know what you are doing in the picture, we don't know you anyway.)

You should simply complain to the school and they may prevent him from showing it again, it's that simple. Lawyers cost thousands of dollars, don't be so quick to go that route.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Virginia

I am part of a student based television studio (works under the university) that produces programs that can only be seen by people who live on campus. Recently, a co-producer put a picuture of myself into one of his shows without my permission. Without going into too much detail about the picture itself...it depicts me doing a very embarrassing act. He claims that everyone else (those who are in his show) approves of it, and that is why he put it in, along with the statement that "it is a good prank". The context that the picture is put in is a lie as well. Figuring that he is the producer, director, and editor of the show he has all the responsibility for what is shown on it.

First, is the fact that he put an embarrasing picture of me in a show that will be seen around campus defamation of character?? Let me make it clear that I did not give him this picture in the first place. The act that this picture portrays has the possibility of completly destroying the immage I have at the univerity.

Second, if I have the ability to sue, do I sue the school for allowing something like this to be aired or the producer of the show??

Thanks for any advice that can be given.

Before you start believing you have any kind of case at all, you don't. PERIOD. Next semester sign up for Communications law. Then come back here and enlighten us as to what you've learned.

 

[badapple40]

I'm wondering what the picture is and how this person got a hold of it? The possibility exists for a case, perhaps on a invasion of privacy basis, but, as has already been noted, there is not enough facts to evaluate or assess any possible cause(s) of action.