Is It Libel If It's True?

A person who wishes to successfully sue you for libel must generally prove the statement is false. In most states, truth is a complete defense to a libel action. You generally can't sue if the statement in question is true, no matter how unpleasant the statement or the results of its publication.

Is truth a defense to libel?

The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals, in a groundbreaking decision favoring private libel plaintiffs, has held that even a true statement – if published “maliciously” – can subject the speaker to libel damages.

Is it considered defamation if it's true?

The same defence applies to anything you say in court. ... In other states, a statement has to be true and in the public interest -- if what you said was true but not considered by the court to be in the public interest, you can be successfully sued for defamation.