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Cease and Desist Letter for Defamation Template: False Statements
Clearly demand that defamatory statements stop, be retracted, and not be repeated in the future.
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Cease and Desist Letter for Defamation Template
[Your Full Name or Business Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Country]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Full Name or Business Name]
[Recipient Title, if applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Country]
Re: Cease and Desist – Defamatory Statements Concerning [Your Name / Business Name]
Dear [Recipient Name],
1. Parties and Background
I am [Your Full Name], [brief description of who you are, e.g., “the owner of [Business Name]” / “a private individual residing in [City, State/Province]”]. I am writing to address and object to false and harmful statements that you have made and/or published about me and/or my business.
2. Defamatory Statements and Where They Appeared
It has come to my attention that you have made or published statements that are untrue and damaging to my reputation, including but not limited to:
[Statement 1 – quote or accurately summarize the statement]
Date or approximate date: [Date or date range]
Location: [Platform, website, social media profile, email, conversation, etc.]
[Statement 2 – quote or summarize]
Date or approximate date: [Date or date range]
Location: [Platform or context]
[Any additional statements, with dates and locations if known]
These statements have been communicated to third parties and are capable of being understood as statements of fact about me / my business.
3. Falsity and Harm
The statements identified above are false and misleading. Specifically:
[Explain briefly why Statement 1 is false or misleading.]
[Explain briefly why Statement 2 is false or misleading.]
Your false statements are causing, or are likely to cause, serious harm, including but not limited to:
Damage to my personal and/or professional reputation;
Loss or potential loss of business, clients, or opportunities;
Emotional distress and disruption of personal and professional relationships.
4. Demand to Cease and Desist
Accordingly, you are hereby formally directed to cease and desist immediately from:
Making, publishing, sharing, or repeating the false statements identified above;
Making any further false or misleading statements about me, my character, my business, or my professional conduct, whether online, in writing, or verbally;
Encouraging or assisting others to publish or share such statements.
5. Required Corrective Actions
In addition to stopping all defamatory conduct, I demand that you take the following corrective actions no later than [Deadline Date]:
Removal of Content
Remove or cause to be removed all posts, comments, reviews, or other content containing the above-described statements from any websites, social media platforms, forums, review sites, or other channels under your control or influence.
Retraction / Clarification
Publish a written retraction or clarification, in a location and manner reasonably comparable to the original statements, clearly stating that the prior statements were inaccurate and should not be relied upon.
Provide me with a copy or screenshot of the retraction or clarification.
Confirmation in Writing
Provide written confirmation that you have complied with the demands in this letter, including where and when removals and retractions were made, and that you will not repeat the defamatory statements in the future.
6. Consequences of Non-Compliance
If you do not comply with the demands in this letter by [Deadline Date], I will consider all appropriate options to protect my rights and reputation. These options may include, without limitation:
Preserving and using evidence (including screenshots and witness statements) of your statements and their impact;
Consulting with a licensed attorney regarding claims for defamation and related causes of action;
Pursuing legal remedies, which may include seeking damages, injunctive relief, and recovery of costs and legal fees where allowed by law.
I hope this matter can be resolved promptly and without further escalation. However, I am prepared to take additional steps if necessary to prevent further harm.
7. Reservation of Rights
Nothing in this letter should be interpreted as a complete statement of all facts or legal claims, or as a waiver of any rights, remedies, or damages available to me under defamation laws or other applicable laws. All such rights and remedies are expressly reserved.
8. Contact and Response
Please send written confirmation of your compliance and any questions regarding this letter to:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Mailing Address: [Your Mailing Address]
For record-keeping, I request that all responses be in writing (by email or mail).
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Your Business/Organization Name, if applicable]
[Signature, if printed]
[Date]
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Learn more about
Cease and Desist Letter for Defamation Template: False Statements
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
CEASE AND DESIST LETTER FOR DEFAMATION TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a cease and desist letter for defamation?
A cease and desist letter for defamation is a formal written notice telling someone to stop making and publishing false statements that harm your reputation. It usually identifies the defamatory statements, explains why they are false, demands that the person stop and remove them, and warns that you may take further action if they do not comply.
When should I use a defamation cease and desist letter?
You can use this type of letter when someone is spreading false statements about you or your business — online, in writing, or verbally — and those statements are harming or likely to harm your reputation, relationships, or livelihood. It is often used before taking any legal action, to give the other party a chance to correct the situation.
What should be included in a defamation cease and desist letter?
A clear letter should identify you and the recipient, describe the defamatory statements and where they were made, state that the statements are false and harmful, demand that the person stop making them, require removal of any written or online content, request a retraction or clarification, and set a deadline for compliance while reserving your rights.
Is a defamation cease and desist letter legally binding by itself?
The letter itself is not a court order, but it can serve as formal notice that you object to the statements and have asked for them to stop. If the person continues making defamatory statements after receiving your letter, that can strengthen your position if you later seek legal remedies. The legal impact depends on the facts and applicable law in your jurisdiction.
Should I attach evidence or explain damages in the letter?
Many people briefly describe the harm caused (such as loss of customers, distress, or risk to employment) and may reference evidence like screenshots or witness statements, without attaching everything. You do not need to prove your entire case in the letter, but it helps to be specific enough that the recipient understands what conduct must stop.
Can AI Lawyer help me draft a cease and desist letter for defamation?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you adapt this Cease and Desist Letter for Defamation template to your situation by organizing your facts, listing the statements and locations, and suggesting firm but professional wording. You still decide what to send and remain responsible for getting legal advice where needed.
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