Is saying someone gaining authority by sleeping with their boss defamation of character?
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Is saying someone gaining authority by sleeping with their boss defamation of character?
I started with a company 5 months ago and due to my experience I’ve been given a lot of authority. Now that I will be acting as a supervisor while my boss goes on vacation, everyone is saying that I am sleeping my way into the position which is undermining my authority, ruining my reputation and making coming to work dreadful.
Asked on January 11, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The false statement about sleeping with the boss is defamatory. Defamation is a false statement made with knowledge of its falsity communicated to a third person who recognizes the defamatory content and the statement is injurious to your reputation.
Slander is spoken defamation. Libel is written defamation. Each repetition of the defamatory statement is actionable in a lawsuit for defamation. You could sue the persons making the defamatory statements. You would file one lawsuit naming all of these people as defendants.
Your damages (the amount of compensation you are seeking in your lawsuit for defamation) would include mental distress, loss of friends and associates resulting from the defamation, and if applicable physical illness and medical expenses.
You will need to file your lawsuit prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or you will lose your rights forever in the matter.
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