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Demand Letter for Defamation Template
Firmly demand removal, retraction, and resolution of defamatory statements that have harmed your reputation.
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Demand 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: Demand Regarding Defamatory Statements About [Your Name / Business Name]
Dear [Recipient Name],
1. Introduction and Purpose of This Letter
I am [Your Full Name], [short description of who you are, e.g., “the owner of [Business Name]” / “a private individual residing in [City, State/Province]”]. I am writing to formally demand that you immediately stop making and publishing false statements about me and/or my business, remove those statements from all platforms, issue an appropriate correction or retraction, and address the harm that has already been caused.
2. Defamatory Statements and Where They Appeared
It has come to my attention that you have made and/or published the following statements concerning me and/or my business (collectively, the “Defamatory Statements”):
Statement 1: “[Defamatory Statement 1]”
Date or approximate date: [Date or Date Range]
Location: [Platform / Website / Social Media / Email / Conversation Context]
Statement 2: “[Defamatory Statement 2]”
Date or approximate date: [Date or Date Range]
Location: [Platform / Website / Social Media / Email / Conversation Context]
Additional statements (if any):
“[Defamatory Statement 3]” – [Date/Range], [Location]
These statements have been communicated to third parties and are capable of being understood as statements of fact about me and/or my business.
3. Falsity of the Statements
The Defamatory Statements identified above are false and misleading. In particular:
Regarding Statement 1: [Explain concisely why Statement 1 is false or misleading.]
Regarding Statement 2: [Explain concisely why Statement 2 is false or misleading.]
Regarding any additional statements: [Short explanation of falsity or misleading nature.]
These statements do not accurately reflect the facts and create a false impression about my conduct, character, or business practices.
4. Harm and Damage Caused
Your Defamatory Statements have caused, 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, customers, or employment opportunities;
Emotional distress, stress, and disruption of personal and professional relationships;
The need to spend time and resources responding to or mitigating the impact of your statements.
I am keeping records of the statements, their distribution, and the harm they have caused and may continue to cause.
5. Demands
In order to prevent further harm and begin addressing the damage already done, I hereby demand that you take the following actions no later than [Deadline Date]:
5.1 Immediate Cessation
Immediately cease and desist from making, publishing, sharing, or repeating the Defamatory Statements, or any other false or misleading statements about me or my business, in any form (online, in writing, or verbally).
5.2 Removal of Content
Remove, or cause to be removed, all posts, comments, reviews, messages, videos, or other content containing the Defamatory Statements from:
[Platform / Website / Social Media Page]
[Any additional platforms, groups, forums, or channels]
5.3 Retraction or Correction
Publish a clear and appropriately worded retraction or correction in any place where the Defamatory Statements were made, in a location and format reasonably comparable to the original publication.
The retraction or correction should state that the prior statements were inaccurate and should not be relied upon, without repeating unnecessary defamatory detail.
5.4 Written Confirmation
Provide written confirmation to me that you have:
Stopped making the Defamatory Statements;
Removed all content containing the Defamatory Statements; and
Published the agreed retractions or corrections.
5.5 Discussion of Damages / Resolution
Confirm in writing your willingness to discuss an appropriate resolution for the harm caused, which may include compensation for reputational and financial damage, and/or other mutually agreed remedial steps.
6. Evidence and Documentation
Please be aware that I have retained, and will continue to retain, evidence of your Defamatory Statements and their impact, including but not limited to:
Screenshots or copies of online posts, comments, reviews, emails, or messages;
Records of where and when the statements were published;
Any correspondence related to the statements;
Information about business or personal harm that can be linked to your statements.
7. Consequences of Non-Compliance
If you do not comply with the demands set out in Section 5 by [Deadline Date], I will consider all options available to protect my rights and reputation. These options may include, without limitation:
Seeking advice from a licensed attorney regarding defamation and related claims;
Requesting that platforms or service providers remove defamatory content;
Pursuing legal remedies, which may include claims for damages, injunctive relief, and recovery of costs and legal fees where permitted by law.
While I hope that legal action will not be necessary, I am prepared to take further steps if this matter is not resolved promptly.
8. 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.
9. Contact and Response
Please provide your written response and confirmation of the steps you have taken by [Deadline Date] to:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Mailing Address: [Your Mailing Address]
For clarity and record-keeping, I request that all communications regarding this matter 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
Demand Letter for Defamation Template
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.
DEMAND LETTER FOR DEFAMATION TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a demand letter for defamation?
A demand letter for defamation is a formal written notice telling someone that their false statements about you or your business are defamatory and must be stopped, removed, and corrected. It typically demands specific actions (removal, retraction, compensation discussions) by a clear deadline and warns that you may pursue legal remedies if they do not comply.
How is this different from a simple warning letter?
A defamation warning letter is often softer and focuses on notifying the person and asking for correction. A demand letter is firmer: it clearly states that you consider the statements defamatory, sets concrete demands and deadlines, and makes it clear that you are prepared to consider legal action if the problem is not resolved.
What should I include in a defamation demand letter?
You should identify yourself and the recipient, list the defamatory statements and where they appeared, explain why the statements are false and harmful, describe the damage caused, clearly demand that the statements stop, be removed, and be retracted, and set a deadline for response, while reserving your legal rights and remedies.
Do I have to claim a specific dollar amount in the letter?
Not necessarily. Some people mention that they have suffered financial and reputational harm and invite the recipient (or their insurer) to discuss settlement. Others wait to quantify damages until they have legal advice. The template allows you to either include a specific amount or state that you will provide details in further discussions.
Does sending a demand letter guarantee that defamation will stop?
No. A demand letter cannot force someone to comply, but it does create a clear record that you object to the statements, explained why they are false, and gave them a chance to correct the situation. If they continue, the letter and their response (or lack of response) may be important evidence if you later seek legal remedies.
Can AI Lawyer help me customize this Demand Letter for Defamation?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you adapt this Demand Letter for Defamation template by inserting your facts, statements, platforms, deadlines, and any proposed settlement language so your letter is clear, firm, and professional while you remain in control of what you send.
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