Defamation (Slander) Cease and Desist Letter

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A defamation cease and desist letter is a written demand for someone to stop spreading false statements that damage another party’s reputation. The letter specifies the defamatory remarks, their publication details, and the resulting harm. Additionally, the letter warns of possible legal action if the statements continue.

Defamation (Slander) Cease and Desist Letter

A defamation cease and desist letter is a written demand for someone to stop spreading false statements that damage another party’s reputation. The letter specifies the defamatory remarks, their publication details, and the resulting harm. Additionally, the letter warns of possible legal action if the statements continue.

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Last updated January 28th, 2025

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A defamation cease and desist letter is a written demand for someone to stop spreading false statements that damage another party’s reputation. The letter specifies the defamatory remarks, their publication details, and the resulting harm. Additionally, the letter warns of possible legal action if the statements continue.

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Defamation Explained

Defamation is the act of sharing false information that damages the reputation of an individual, organization, or business. There are two main types of defamation:

  • Libel: Defamatory statements made through writing or image.
  • Slander: Defamatory statements made verbally or through gestures.

Each state has its own criteria for proving defamation. Generally, a plaintiff must show that the alleged defamer:

  • Communicated the statements to a third party.
  • Presented the statements as fact.
  • Acted with a level of fault amounting to at least negligence.
  • Caused harm to the plaintiff’s reputation.

Why a Cease and Desist Letter is Used

A cease and desist letter for defamation is primarily used to prevent further harm to the sender’s personal or professional reputation. By threatening legal consequences, the letter urges the recipient to take down the defamatory content to avoid a potentially long and expensive lawsuit.

Sample

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NOTICE TO CEASE AND DESIST

[SENDER’S NAME]
[SENDER’S STREET]
[SENDER’S CITY, STATE, & ZIP]

Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

Re: Defamation of Character – Libel and/or Slander

Dear [RECIPIENT’S NAME],

It has come to my attention that you have been maliciously spreading inaccurate and unfounded information that is damaging to my personal and professional character.

Under the laws in the State of [STATE], it is unlawful for an individual to make deliberate statements that intend to harm a person’s reputation without factual evidence or based on hearsay.

The defamatory statements include, but are not limited to, the following: [SPECIFY THE DEFAMATORY STATEMENTS, DATE AND PLACE OF PUBLICATION, AND HARM CAUSED].

Therefore, you are hereby requested to immediately cease and desist the defamatory statements. If you do not comply with this request, without further notice to you, I shall take all available legal remedies for your defamation, including but not limited to filing a lawsuit in the proper jurisdiction seeking monetary damages.

I wish to receive your assurances that you have ceased the defamatory statements, accompanied by proof, by [DATE].

Sincerely,

________________________
[PRINTED NAME]