Writing about an ex girlfriend

[Rob K]

What is the name of your state? Louisville, Kentucky


I have begun writing short stories about my life experiences and I have also created a website that host these stories. I want to write a story about my most recent ex girlfriend and tell of our relationship and all that happened. I am concerned about any legal actions she may take against me, but I desperately want to write this story unabridged and use her real full name.

I am searching for legal advice concerning this matter.

Thank you,
Rob-

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state? Louisville, Kentucky


I have begun writing short stories about my life experiences and I have also created a website that host these stories. I want to write a story about my most recent ex girlfriend and tell of our relationship and all that happened. I am concerned about any legal actions she may take against me, but I desperately want to write this story unabridged and use her real full name.

I am searching for legal advice concerning this matter.

Thank you,
Rob-

Dumb move unless she is a public figure or a public official; make up a name and blur some of the details to make her unrecognizable.

 

[Rob K]

Thank you respectfully for your response, and fast too.

I beg you to explain this in more detail. Everything I have read about libel laws does state that if they are a public figure then it will be hard for them to sue, but I have not read anything that states that you can not write the truth about what happened with a private figure. She does have a personal add on Yahoo.

What would make it a dumb move exactly?

 

[Halls]

I think using a fake name would be appropriate, however unless you write anything that is false I don't see how it can be slanderous or libel.

 

[cbg]

To roughly paraphrase Obi-Wan Kenobi, just because it's the way you see the truth doesn't mean it's the way she sees it. We all have our version of the truth and if hers differs from yours...well, that's why it's a dumb move.

 

[Rob K]

What if I was to state the facts on only things that I could prove then state it clearly that everything else is my opinion.

I think I understand that there is a way I can do this, but I will have to be very careful.

 

[weenor]

See Kentucky Statute 411.040. If want sued go ahead and write about her.

 

[Just Blue]

What if I was to state the facts on only things that I could prove then state it clearly that everything else is my opinion.

I think I understand that there is a way I can do this, but I will have to be very careful.

Why is it so important to use her real name??

 

[Rob K]

411.040 Accusation of incest, fornication or adultery -- Proof of damage.
An accusation of incest, fornication or adultery against any person shall be actionable. In
such a case the plaintiff shall not be required to allege or prove special damage.
History: Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 386, sec. 104. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts
ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1.

Is this what you are talking about?

I guess it realy isnt important to use her real name. I was just curious. However, how much should I change in order to not be sued for libel? Even if I change her name and blur somethings, there are a lot of people who know that her and I dated, so it wouldn't be hard for a lot of people to figure it out.

 

[cbg]

Rob, if you're that concerned that what you write might be something she can sue you for, then I have three potential solutions for you:

1.) Get her written permission
2.) Have a lawyer review it before publishing it in any way, shape or form including putting it on your website
3.) Don't do it in the first place.

 

[weenor]

Is this what you are talking about?

I guess it realy isnt important to use her real name. I was just curious. However, how much should I change in order to not be sued for libel? Even if I change her name and blur somethings, there are a lot of people who know that her and I dated, so it wouldn't be hard for a lot of people to figure it out.

That would be the one