Worries about being sued for defamation by $55bn corporation

[roblomm]

New to the forum and in need need of some advice please

I have found irrefutable evidence of a scam being carried out by a large international corporation with $55bn in assets who are defrauding hundreds (possibly thousands) of small, family businesses in the UK. I should make it clear that I have not been personally affected in any way by this company's activities.


I would like to go public with this story but concerned that they may attempt to sue me for defamation. I have spoken with a defamation lawyer who charges £500 per hour, which I cannot afford.

I have nothing to gain personally from making this story public but feel strongly that the public should be aware of this company's actions.

Do you know where I might be able to get some legal advice without having to pay the full cost of a commercial law firm?

Many thanks

[jaguarsuk]

The Defamation Act 2013 s4 says:

4. Publication on matter of public interest


(1)It is a defence to an action for defamation for the defendant to show that—

(a)the statement complained of was, or formed part of, a statement on a matter of public interest; and

(b)the defendant reasonably believed that publishing the statement complained of was in the public interest.

(2)Subject to subsections (3) and (4), in determining whether the defendant has shown the matters mentioned in subsection (1), the court must have regard to all the circumstances of the case.

(3)If the statement complained of was, or formed part of, an accurate and impartial account of a dispute to which the claimant was a party, the court must in determining whether it was reasonable for the defendant to believe that publishing the statement was in the public interest disregard any omission of the defendant to take steps to verify the truth of the imputation conveyed by it.

(4)In determining whether it was reasonable for the defendant to believe that publishing the statement complained of was in the public interest, the court must make such allowance for editorial judgement as it considers appropriate.

(5)For the avoidance of doubt, the defence under this section may be relied upon irrespective of whether the statement complained of is a statement of fact or a statement of opinion.

(6)The common law defence known as the Reynolds defence is abolished.

If as you say that your statement proves that they are "defrauding hundreds (possibly thousands) of small, family businesses in the UK" then this would be a statement in the public interest.

There are also other defences to claims under the Defamation Act 2013, they are sections 2-7 here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/...ntents/enacted

[roblomm]

The Defamation Act 2013 s4 says:



If as you say that your statement proves that they are "defrauding hundreds (possibly thousands) of small, family businesses in the UK" then this would be a statement in the public interest.

There are also other defences to claims under the Defamation Act 2013, they are sections 2-7 here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/...ntents/enacted

Thank you so much. This is hugely helpful and reassuring.