need a little advice

[chitownluv35]

Chris, Illinois

Two of my best friends are twin sisters. I will refer to them as "A" and "B." The boyfriend of A hung out with my girlfriend one night. B then accused my girlfriend of having sex with A's boyfriend. Both my girlfriend and the boyfriend of A deny this accusation. After hearing this, A attempted to commit suicide and was in a mental hospital for about two weeks. While A was in the hospital, B told everyone at their job that my girlfriend and A's boyfriend had sex and concocted many different stories about that evening. My girlfriend now wants to sue for Defamation of Character. Is this a legitimate case?

 

[quincy]

If your girlfriend did not have sex with A's boyfriend, then it could be possible for your girlfriend and A's boyfriend to sue B for defamation. Lies told about one's moral character are regarded as actionable in all courts.

There needs to be proof of the lies told in order to bring suit - with slander, this requires reliable testimony from those who heard B's comments. Any statement imputing immoral conduct assumes some reputational injury. If your friend has suffered in her workplace, as well, she should provide proof of this economic injury.

I would have your friend contact an Illinois attorney and go over all of the facts with him/her. Defamation actions are extremely expensive and time-consuming, and there is never a guarantee that, after all the time and expense, you will win such a suit. An attorney can tell your friend whether any action against B is worth pursuing.