How to Deal With Defamation on Twitter

Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 73 million users in the United States alone. Yet, the growing popularity of the platform correlates with an increase in abusive behavior and unlawful content, such as Twitter defamation.

A tweet, retweet, account, video, or other media on Twitter may be considered Twitter defamation if:

• It asserts a false statement about the plaintiff,
• It was published or communicated to a third party,
• It was made with at least a negligent level of intent, and
• It caused damage to the plaintiff’s reputation.

At Minc Law, we have removed over 50,000 pieces of unwanted online content, including social media defamation. We know what it takes to stop internet harassment, remove negative content, and preserve your online reputation. And we know how to successfully represent clients without drawing additional unwanted attention to the matter at hand.

In this article, we will discuss defamation on Twitter, as well as what you can do if you discover a defamatory tweet. Finally, we will explain how a legal team can help resolve your Twitter defamation matter. Because not all negative tweets are defamatory, we will start by looking at some examples of tweets that constitute defamation.

Examples of Defamatory Tweets

Social media defamation is a growing problem as social media platforms become more popular. Since defamation can wreak havoc on one’s personal and professional reputation, it is useful to know how to spot defamatory posts on social media, such as Twitter.

What Makes a Tweet Defamatory?

There are an infinite number of ways a tweet can strike a nerve, but an offensive tweet is not necessarily defamatory. For a tweet to be defamatory, it must include the following four elements:

• A false statement made about the plaintiff or victim of defamation,
• The statement was communicated to at least one other third party,
• The person making the statement was at least negligent when considering if the statement was actually true, and
• The false statement damaged the plaintiff’s reputation.

While defamation is an umbrella term that covers both slander and libel, most defamation on Twitter is considered libel. The core difference between libel and slander is that libel is published in a tangible medium such as a newspaper or video, while slander is spoken aloud.

Common forms of defamation on Twitter include:

• False tweets, comments, and retweets,
• Fake profiles and accounts, and
• Photographs, videos, or other media containing false information and attacks.

Nevertheless, the remedies for libel and slander are the same. When proven successfully, victims of libel and slander can potentially get the false content removed from the internet and recover monetary damages.

Now, we will take a look at each of those elements necessary to prove Twitter defamation.

There is a False Statement Made About The Plaintiff

The defamer must speak or publish a false statement about the plaintiff. Truthful statements (even if they are negative) do not usually constitute defamation.

Furthermore, some states may classify a statement as defamatory in cases where the substance of the statement is true, but conveys a defamatory implication. This is commonly referred to as ‘defamation by implication’.

The Statement Was Communicated to a Third Party

The defamatory statement must be shared with at least one other person. If a defamer merely utters a false statement when no one else is around to hear, you will not be able to prove defamation.

The Statement Was Made With At Least a Negligent Level of Intent

You must show the defamer published the statement without attempting to determine whether it was actually true or false. Even if they did not intend to share a lie, they must have been negligent when considering the truthfulness of their statement.

The Statement Caused Damage to the Plaintiff’s Reputation

Lastly, the plaintiff must show they suffered damage to their reputation that led to financial harm.

For more information on the types of damages available and how to prove them, make sure to read our comprehensive post ‘How to Prove Damages in a Defamation Lawsuit’.

What Are Some Recent Examples of Defamatory Tweets That Made Headlines?

Justin Bieber & Fictitious Defamers

Singer Justin Bieber is a famous target of alleged Twitter defamation, although the case has yet to be resolved. In 2020, two Twitter users made posts alleging they were assaulted by Bieber in 2014. Bieber denied their claims and promptly filed a defamation lawsuit against the account holders – only to discover that both users were using fictitious names.

To date, Bieber successfully obtained a court order to uncover the identity of the anonymous defamers, but the defamation lawsuit is still pending.

Monir v. Wood

Across the pond, a Twitter battle turned ugly – leaving an account holder liable for tens of thousands in damages in Monir v. Wood. Chairman of the Bristol Branch of UKIP, Steve Wood, managed the Twitter account @BristolUKIP as a volunteer.

The Vice-Chairman of UKIP published a tweet accusing Zahir Monir of “child grooming,” along with a picture of Mr. Monir posing with a member of an opposing political party. When Monir sued for defamation, UK courts held Wood liable for the tweet, even though he was not the individual who posted the tweet. He was responsible for and affiliated with the Twitter account, which the UK court found enough to sustain liability.

What is Protected By the First Amendment When it Comes to Tweets?

Just because someone shares a negative opinion about you or your business online does not mean it is defamatory or unlawful. The First Amendment protects the rights of others to express themselves, even if you do not like what they have to say.

Courtney Love’s Tweet Lacking the Requisite Malice to Constitute Defamation

In one case that made national news, celebrity Courtney Love was sued for defaming her former attorney, Rhonda Holmes, on Twitter. Holmes represented Love for an estate dispute over Love’s late husband, Kurt Cobain’s estate. After the attorney/client relationship soured, Love took to Twitter, posting that she “was f***ing devastated when Rhonda J. Holmes, Esquire, of San Diego was bought off…”

Although Love removed the tweet within a matter of minutes, Holmes filed a defamation lawsuit. While the jury agreed that the tweet was false and could have injured Holmes’ professional reputation, they did not feel Holmes proved that Love was aware the statement was false. In other words, Love prevailed because Holmes could not prove that Love acted with malice when posting the tweet.

Because freedom of speech is strongly protected in the United States, public figures must prove that a defamer acted with actual malice when publishing a false statement. Public figures and officials have a higher burden of proof to meet in defamation cases as they have “positioned themselves at the forefront of society” for open debate, criticism, and commentary.

The court applied the actual malice standard to Holmes’ case since it involved libel per se – requiring Holmes to show Love acted with “reckless disregard of the truth.”

Devin Nunes & Allegedly Defamatory Statements About His Family Dairy Farm are Found to Adequately Claim Defamation

In September 2021, a federal appellate court revived a highly public lawsuit involving U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes and a tweet published containing an allegedly defamatory Esquire Magazine article about his family’s dairy farm. The 2018 article by Ryan Lizza of Esquire Magazine documented the farm’s move from California to Iowa, alleging that this move was kept secret due to its employment of undocumented workers.

Nunes claimed that not only did the Esquire article contain libelous statements, but also committed ‘defamation by implication’ for conveying a string of facts that implied a “politically explosive secret.” The case was dismissed in 2020 on the grounds that the article was not defamatory. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit remanded the case over secondary claims that Lizza committed defamation by tweeting out the Esquire article link in 2019.

Nunes argued that the 2018 defamation lawsuit should have “put Lizza on notice” that he (Nunes) denied knowledge of the alleged immigration violations by his family’s dairy farm. The circuit court asserted the above facts were enough to survive a motion to dismiss as it was reasonable that Lizza engaged in the “purposeful avoidance of truth” (defamation by implication).

How to Collect & Preserve Evidence of Twitter Defamation

If you are defamed on social media, it is imperative that you collect as much evidence of the defamation as possible. You will need the evidence to prove your case in court if you must obtain a court order.

What Are the Best Ways to Collect Evidence of Twitter Defamation?

The way you collect evidence will differ depending on whether the content has already been deleted or not. Preserving evidence of content that is still online will be a little simpler than the alternative.

Defamatory Content on Twitter That Has Not Been Deleted

Defamatory statements (and other types of defamation) that have not been deleted from the platform can be preserved with a simple screenshot using your phone or computer. You can also use evidence preservation software like PageVault or Visualping.

PageVault captures full-page images of social media pages, websites, and videos that can be used to prove defamation. Visualping is a tool that monitors changes in search results and websites so that you can see if more defamatory content is posted.

It is also important to document evidence of other people telling you that they saw the defamatory posts. This can establish reputational damage and harm caused by the tweet.

Defamatory Content on Twitter That Has Been Deleted

If the defamatory post has already been deleted, there are a few tools that can be used to recover old data.

The Wayback Machine provides archives of more than 602 billion web pages and enables users to ‘go back in time’ to see how websites, pages, and other online content appeared in the past. Using the Wayback Machine may enable you to find those old, deleted tweets.

Google Cache can also be used to trace deleted tweets because it will display web pages as you saw them the last time Google visited the site.

What Types of Evidence Are Most Helpful When it Comes to Twitter Defamation?

As mentioned above, evidence showing that third parties (other than the defamer and the defamed) were aware of the defamatory tweet can help establish defamation. Screenshots of the tweet itself can be used to prove falsity and publication.

Also, look for replies or comments from others on the defamatory tweet. Did it appear as if people believed the false tweet? What did others say in response? This evidence can show that others took the tweet seriously and that it affected their image of you.

Other evidence of harm, like financial records from your business showing a decrease in revenue can help prove damages. If you lost a job or were denied an employment opportunity because of a defamatory tweet, you should preserve evidence of your termination as well as the date of termination.

Finally, bills that you incurred as a result of the defamation, such as medical and mental health invoices, can establish the negative impact of Twitter defamation.

How Can You Trace Deleted Tweets & Twitter Accounts?

If you are dealing with a defamer who has already deleted their tweet, comment, or account, you can use The Wayback Machine or Google Cache to recover the tweets. These tools can also be used to recover Twitter accounts that have been deleted.

To use the Wayback Machine:

• Copy the Twitter account URL of the person who posted the tweet you want to recover,
• Navigate to Wayback Machine website,
• Past the URL in Wayback Machine’s search bar and click, “Search”
• Click on one of the dates that appears in a blue or green circle (these are the dates with available archives).
• From there, search for the deleted tweet.

To use Google Cache:

• Copy the Twitter account URL of the person who posted the tweet you want to recover,
• At the end of the URL, add “/status” like so: https:///twitter.com/minclaw/status
• After modifying the URL, navigate to Google,
• Paste the modified URL in Google’s search box and click enter.
• Review the list of indexed tweets to recover the deleted tweet.

What Are My Options if I am a Target of Twitter Defamation?

If you are defamed on Twitter, you should take the following steps:

1. Document and preserve evidence of the defamatory tweet and the Twitter account,
2. Review Twitter’s Terms of Service and report the tweet if it violates any terms,
3. Consider filing a defamation lawsuit to get the tweet removed and recover damages.

Below, we examine each of these steps in greater detail.

What is the First Step You Should Take if You Are the Victim of Twitter Defamation

If you believe you are the victim of defamation, ensure you preserve the evidence immediately. Then, look to Twitter’s Terms of Service. Some activities may violate Twitter rules even if they are not defamatory. For instance, someone publishing your personal information and home address (doxxing) violates Twitter’s rules, even though it may not be defamation.

Video: What to Do If You Are Being Slandered or Libeled on Facebook

Watch

If at all possible, find a way to report the tweet for violating Twitter’s rules. If a tweet violates Twitter’s rules, Twitter moderators may remove the tweet without the need for a court order.

According to Twitter rules, moderators may remove content that includes:

• Abusive or harmful material,
• Spam,
• Terrorism and/or violent extremism,
• Child sexual exploitation,
• Self-harm or suicide,
• Adult content,
• Intellectual property infringement (such as copyright infringement),
• Private information, and
• Content that violates the law.

However, it is worth noting that Twitter will not play referee to determine whether or not content published on its platform is defamatory. Defamation often involves a legal analysis and proof that a particular statement is unlawful. If you feel a tweet is defamatory, you should consult with an experienced internet defamation attorney to see if you have a valid claim.

How to Report a Tweet

Reporting a tweet that violates Twitter’s Terms of Service is a relatively simple process.

To report a tweet:

1. Click the “…” icon on the tweet,
2. Select, “Report” from the drop-down menu,
3. Choose the reason that best represents how the tweet violates Twitter rules, and
4. Provide more information about why you are reporting the tweet as prompted.

How to Report a Twitter Account

If an entire Twitter account violates Twitter’s Terms of Service because it is an impersonation account or violates other laws, you should report the entire account instead of reporting individual tweets.

To report a Twitter account:

1. Go to the profile in question and click the “…” icon,
2. Select, “Report” from the drop-down menu and choose the reason that best represents how the account violates the rules, and
3. Provide more information about the account as prompted.

Finally, make sure to read our article by paralegal Melanie Hughes explaining the steps to take if you are falsely accused of sexual assault on Twitter, or watch her YouTube video covering the subject below.

Video: Steps to Take if You Are Falsely Accused of Sexual Misconduct on Twitter

Watch

Can You Sue Someone For a Tweet or Retweet?

You can sue someone for a defamatory tweet if you have a valid defamation claim that is not subject to one of countless defamation defenses or barred by procedural requirements. However, you must either know who made the tweet or uncover their identity if they are using an anonymous username.

You generally cannot sue Twitter for defamation because Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects platforms from liability for hosting content posted by third parties.

By filing a defamation lawsuit, you can find out the identity of an anonymous defamer (with a John Doe lawsuit), obtain equitable relief like the removal of the unwanted content, and obtain damages for the harm caused to your reputation.

Video: How to Identify Internet Users Behind Anonymous Harassment & Defamation

Watch

You may even have a valid legal claim against individuals who retweet a defamatory post if they add additional content to the retweet. Merely linking to a tweet is not enough to sue those who retweet.

For the sake of example, someone who retweets the defamatory statement, “John Doe grooms children he wants to date,” and adds the comment, “True! John Doe groomed my friend when we were kids.” may be liable for defamation themselves. In such a case, you could potentially sue the person who made the original defamatory statement as well as the second person who embellished the lie.

What Should You Avoid Doing if You Have Been the Victim of Twitter Defamation?

If you are the victim of Twitter defamation, it is best to remain calm and consider your options before responding. Defamation is unlawful, but it is important that you do not make matters worse with an inappropriate response.

Avoid Responding Publicly

The vast majority of the time, a public response to defamation on Twitter is ill-advised. Not only does it give the defamer the attention they want, but it could also potentially damage the credibility of your case if you must go to court.

Do Not Draw Unwanted Attention to the Matter

Unfortunately, by responding publicly or impulsively you could become a victim of the Streisand Effect. The Streisand Effect is a social phenomenon that occurs when an attempt to remove or hide unwanted content draws more attention to the very content you seek to censor.

Avoid Making Frivolous Claims

You should also avoid making legal threats without the advice and assistance of an attorney. Sending a poorly worded cease and desist letter or threatening legal action could make matters worse and reduce your chances of success in a lawsuit.

What Resources Are Available to Victims of Twitter Defamation?

Defamation can be extremely distressing, especially when it occurs on social media for the world to see. Fortunately, there are resources at your disposal to prevent, respond to, and recover from online defamation.

Here are some resources we recommend checking out if you are struggling with Twitter defamation (click the citation bubble to view & visit source):

• Online safety resources for self-harm and suicide,
• Twitter’s Terms of Service,
• Twitter’s Community Guidelines,
• ACLU Legal FAQs,
• Internet defamation attorneys, and
• Law enforcement support.

How Can a Legal Team Help if You Are the Victim of Twitter Defamation?

By working with an experienced legal team, you can often improve your chances of getting negative online content removed and putting an end to social media defamation.

Video: What to Do If You Are the Target of Social Media Defamation

Watch

Internet defamation attorneys are well-versed in defamation law, plus they have the tech-savvy to help you protect and restore your online reputation.

What Can You Expect From a Legal Team That Specializes in Social Media Defamation?

It can be exceptionally difficult to get defamatory content removed from any social media platform, including Twitter. This is partially due to the complexity of defamation law, and also because platforms do not want to play referee in personal disputes.

More often than not, targets of defamation must obtain a court order to get defamatory content removed from the internet.

Internet Attorneys Can Help Navigate Social Media Reporting Procedures

A legal team that is experienced with social media defamation can help you navigate the social media reporting process and contact social media moderators on your behalf. They can help you collect and preserve the evidence you will need to make your case.

Internet Attorneys Know How to Communicate With Social Media Platforms

At Minc Law, we have extensive experience communicating with Twitter to remove defamatory content from their platform. We understand how protective they are of their users’ privacy and what it takes to uncover the identity of an anonymous defamer.

By knowing their processes and having points of contact within Twitter, we can increase your chances of successfully removing defamatory tweets.

Internet Attorneys Can File Defamation Lawsuits & Identify Anonymous Defamers

If Twitter refuses to remove a tweet, we also know how to file a defamation lawsuit to obtain a court order to remove content. With the investigative tools at our disposal, we can help identify anonymous defamers, subpoena appropriate parties, and collect all relevant evidence.

Ultimately, we help clients take charge of the situation before defamation spirals out of control and causes irreparable damage.

Video: How to File a Defamation of Character Lawsuit

Watch

Invasion of Privacy Tip: If your personal and protected information, like your social security number, driver’s license, or other sensitive information is shared online you should act quickly to get it removed. Most platforms have Terms of Service that prohibit the sharing of personal information, so you should flag the content for removal. If the website fails to remove the content, reach out to an experienced internet attorney to discuss other methods of content removal.

What Are Common Outcomes of Lawsuits Involving Twitter Defamation?

For many clients, their primary goal in filing a defamation lawsuit is to get the unwanted content removed from the internet. Content removal is a possibility if you obtain a court order after successfully proving defamation. Sometimes, just taking the action of filing a lawsuit is enough to convince some people to remove the defamatory content instead of defending a lawsuit.

If you have already suffered financial damages as a result of the defamation, you may also be able to recover damages with a lawsuit (although this adds to the time, complexity, and defamation lawsuit cost).

There are no guarantees as to specific outcomes in any type of lawsuit – and defamation lawsuits are no different. Success is in the eye of the beholder, the client.

Video: How Much Does a Defamation Lawsuit Cost? Cost to Sue for Defamation

Watch

Finally, defamation lawsuits may show the other party that you are serious about your online reputation. By filing a lawsuit, it may prevent the defamer from engaging in any future harassment or defamation.

Who Are Top Lawyers That Focus on Twitter Defamation?

If you are the victim of Twitter defamation and attacks, we recommend reading our article tackling the top defamation attorneys in the United States for guidance.

We at Minc Law know the ins and outs of internet defamation. Our experienced internet defamation attorneys have helped clients remove over 50,000 pieces of unwanted online content.

We have also litigated defamation cases in 26 states and 5 countries, so we can help no matter where you are located.

★★★★★

“Dan Powell and Dorrian Horsey worked together seamlessly to restore my reputation after I was wrongly accused of professional misconduct in several, malicious online postings by a reckless and misguided activist group. They secured a public retraction and apology from the group, and Dan used his Internet expertise to identify and hold accountable the individual who impersonated me in a series of fabricated emails that contributed to this scam. Dorrian’s knowledge of the North Carolina court system proved invaluable in reaching a successful settlement that included financial compensation from my impersonator. I don’t believe there is another law firm in the country that could have achieved these results. I strongly recommend Dan and Dorrian to anyone else facing a similar situation.”

Taft, Aug 24, 2021

We are well-versed in combating social media defamation, including Twitter libel and slander, as well as slander on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, and most social media platforms. If you would like to schedule a no-obligation consultation to determine if you have a valid Twitter defamation claim, contact us at (216) 373-7706 or fill out our contact form.