• Bytemeister@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      13
      ·
      2 days ago

      Slander is spoken, libel is written. Might be a little blurred in the age of video and podcasts though. Anyway, slander and libel cases are famously hard to win, because you have to prove the statement was made, the person who made it knew it was false, and that it damaged your reputation. It’s also harder to win for public figures, as the increase in general media around them tends to dilute damaging statements.

      • kevinsky@feddit.nl
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        10
        ·
        2 days ago

        I ment it more in the sense that public figures should just straight up be held to a higher standard than Joe Schmoe when it comes to these things.

        the person who made it knew it was false

        Someone in this position should just be expected to know better and if otherswise be expected to prove these kinds of claims.

        Just like I feel they are supposed to divest when they enter public office and be barred from investing in anything while holding any kind of position of power instead of becoming obscenely wealthy in this period of “public service”.

        But don’t worry, i’m fully aware these things are all naive pipe dreams in this system.

        • Bytemeister@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          2 days ago

          Yeah. Dude is a certified bigoted ignorant jackass. The check on guys like him is supposed to be the voting public, but I’ve seen what makes maga cheer… Part of the reason why I think a democracy where voting rights are "equal’ will never produce an effective government.