slander...what can i do

[trackmasterlib]

new york

5-30-01

today two girls were telling people in my senior class that i supposedly raped a girl....i confronted them and they replied that "atleast we dont have to force someone to do stuff with us" my friends are witnesses to what they said as far as me being a "rapist"....all i was wondering is what can i do..i have my friends coming upto me looking at me with disgust two of which i am going to college with this could follow me for another 4 years.

thanks a lot i hope that someone can help me

Mike

 

[JETX]

Your only practical challenge is to ignore the stupid rumors, try to limit the damage (after all, your 'real' friends will know that it is not true by your actions) and get on with your life. This is typical of any schoolhouse 'name calling' and, though certainly serious when rumored with a crime, you have little practical actions you can take. Basically, you are a victim of some of the typical childish name-calling ("She's a slut", "He's queer", etc.) that, regretfully is far too common these days.

Yes, you can certainly sue or threaten to sue, but threatening could only inflame the situation more and actually suing would take far more money and time than you can afford. And even if you win, the only thing that will make you 'whole' would be a retraction of their statements which would just increase the publication of the lie.

Prove the rumors wrong by your deeds and actions and they will eventually die away. Challenge or inflame them and they will just grow bigger.