Slander and a minor member of organization

[kwikquestion]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

Can an organization be sued for defamation based on a text message from a member who is a minor to former member who is a minor? The messaging minor raised a false accusation (theft) against a former adult member based on hearsay. The message was sent to a former minor member. The former minor member then showed the text message to the former adult member and now the former adult member is raising defamation accusations against the organization. The accusation was never made by any current board members of the organization. There is no record of the accusation other than the text message.

 

[justalayman]

Sure they can sue.

but how did the organization defame anybody?

where would their culpability come in?

 

[kwikquestion]

I realize they can sue but do they have a case? Should the organization hire a lawyer.

The accusation was that the organization asked the former member (and board member) to leave because of the theft of cash. The minor said he was told in confidence but was "sworn to secrecy" according to the message. No such accusations were made by the organization. The former board member was asked to step down by the membership because of the mishandling, by the former board member, of an employee's action (affair). The entire board was asked to step down. In response to the organizations request, the entire board resigned. It is only this one former board member "stirring the pot". The former member is accusing the organization of causing embarrassment and professional harm.

I know text messages can be used in a libel cases but can the "messaging" between two minors be raised to the level of libel. If the minor heard "talk" between adults who are organization members and repeats it, is that enough for defamation?

 

[justalayman]

Should the organization hire a lawyer.

IF they get sued it would be a good idea.

I have a hard time believing there are any real injuries to sue for.

It is impossible to guess who said what and to whom and how was it stated that makes all the difference in the world as to IF it would even be considered slander.


So, bottomline: If the organization gets sued they should get an attorney to defend them.

If a suit is filed would be anybody's guess as well as if there is any actual evidence the slander actually took place.

As posted, I wouldn;t lose any sleep over it.