#MeToo story tellers face defamation hurdle

Victims of sexual harassment and abuse telling their #MeToo stories are increasingly finding themselves sued for defamation. Truth is the best defense in these cases, but it is imperative to obtain competent legal representation to minimize your risk. (American Civil Liberties Union, January 22, 2018, by Bruce Johnson of Davis Wright Tremaine)

If you are sued, you are most likely to prevail in court since the burden of proof is on the plaintiff to show  the assault did not happen. The ordeal can still be draining financially and emotionally. But those who publish charges of assault against public figures enjoy an added level of protection afforded by the Supreme Court decision Times v. Sullivan that requires those claiming defamation to prove that the information was published with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth. (Salon, December 16, 2017, by Joanne Sweeny)