Is free speech disappearing?

These days, it feels like free speech is under pressure from all sides. Whether it’s online debates, protests, or heated arguments in the media, people are increasingly finding themselves targeted just for expressing a view. In some cases, it leads to online abuse or reputational damage. In others, it can result in legal action.

Can you lose an OBE for expressing political opinions?

Charlie Mullins' case offers a sobering insight into the risks now faced by individuals who dare to speak their minds in the public arena, particularly those who have been honoured for service to their community. What began as recognition for decades of hard work and life-changing impact has turned into a battle to preserve reputation, principle and free speech.

Reputational considerations before taking a case of unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal

Being unfairly dismissed from your job on false grounds can feel like a collapse of everything you’ve worked for. It can destroy not only your career and income but also your reputation, leaving you isolated and struggling to move forward. When you know the allegations are untrue, the natural response is to seek justice.

Libel on social media: Key takeaways from Paisley v Linehan

The High Court has delivered another significant ruling on online defamation in Paisley v Linehan, in which our firm, Cohen Davis, acted for the claimant, David Paisley.

What was the case of Paisley v Linehan about?

David Paisley, the claimant, took legal action against Graham Linehan over comments posted on Linehan’s Substack page. The case centred around three specific comments in response to an

Case study of defamatory, out of context news articles

When a newspaper article is taken out of context, it can be twisted to give a false and harmful impression. This might happen on purpose or by mistake, but either way, it can unfairly damage someone's reputation. It's important to respect the right of people to have their words and actions shown truthfully. If someone feels a report has misrepresented them in a defamatory way, they may be able to take legal action to correct

Cohen Davis win a criminal and a civil harassment and defamation case against web design company

In the UK, while defamation itself doesn't lead to criminal prosecution, certain circumstances surrounding a defamation incident might still involve the criminal courts.

Our lawyers answer questions about defamation law in the UK

Below are some of the most common questions clients have asked us concerning defamation law in the UK. Remember, the intricacies of defamation law can be complex, and anyone dealing with such issues should seek advice from a legal professional who is familiar with the facts of their specific case to understand their rights and potential actions fully.

What to do if your former employer gives a defamatory job reference

The impact of an employer's reference on a job applicant's prospects cannot be overstated. A positive reference serves as a powerful endorsement, highlighting the applicant's competencies and suitability for the role. Conversely, a negative reference can significantly hinder their chances of securing the position. 

What to do if you have been defamed on the internet

How to avoid being a victim of defamation by former employees and partners

How to protect employers from online defamation by former employees

The issue of online defamation by ex-employees has become increasingly troubling for organisations. Because managing online narratives can be challenging, you should do whatever you can to safeguard your organisation against defamation by former employees.

Cohen Davis win a defamation case against West Yorkshire Police

What matters most under English law of defamation, is the meaning attributed to a word, a sentence, or an article, by a reasonable reader, rather than the dictionary meaning of any word or phrase. It follows that under English law, defamation could be created by innuendo and a post could be defamatory even if it does not

What to do if you have been defamed by the police

You might be able to sue the police for defamation if a police officer who is investigating a case against you, had made public her view that the allegations are true.

Defamation by the Police

An email sent by the Police to a suspect’s employer was found to be defamatory because it implied that the suspect was guilty of a criminal offence.

Cohen Davis win defamation case against the Metropolitan police

The case of our client, Selvaratnam Suresh, demonstrates that the defence of absolute privilege cannot automatically apply to every claim of defamation against the police.

How does the court decide on meaning in defamation cases

Chase Levels are a useful tool for determining the degree of defamatory meaning or imputation in a statement, but they should not be considered the be-all and end-all when it comes to this analysis. Chase Levels help the court decide on meaning in defamation law cases.

What is the difference between a fact, an opinion, and a statement in defamation cases

In a significant legal decision, our client, David Paisley, has been granted the right to pursue a defamation claim against Graham Linehan, a well-known television writer. This case revolves around defamatory publications made by Linehan on his Substack account. Additionally, the court's decision allows Paisley to pursue claims related to defamatory comments made by third parties under

Court orders Mel B to pay legal costs after failed non-molestation application against Stephen Belafonte

Our client, Stephen Belafonte, has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife, Melanie Brown, widely known as Mel B of the Spice Girls. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of Florida, alleges that Brown falsely accused Belafonte of

Defamation including false allegations of sexual assault

In this libel defamation case, Yair Cohen and Filiz Kiani of Cohen Davis Solicitors represented Jack Aaronson, also known as Dominic Ford, owner of the platform JustforFans.com,  where he took Marcus Stones, popularly known as Mickey Taylor

Slander and libel warning letter to the website operator

Important factors to consider before taking legal action for defamation on the internet

How to make a sensible decision whether to take legal action for libel

Suing for defamation after being cancelled

How to protect yourself against online defamation

What to do when a user posts defamatory content about you on social media

It's no secret that social media can be a breeding ground for defamatory content. Whether it's an ex-partner airing your dirty laundry, or a disgruntled employee badmouthing your company, this type of content can have a major impact on your reputation.

How you protect yourself against false accusations on the internet

False accusations on the internet have become a common occurrence, with the ease of access to social media and other platforms making it easier for anyone to share information without double-checking its validity.

Unfortunately, this has caused a great amount of harm to innocent people, who have been wrongfully accused of wrongdoing and have no means of defending themselves.

How can a business defend itself against defamation online

What happens when a business is being defamed online? Can anything be done about it or free speech is king? The following case study gives some answers to these questions by considering a typical situation of online defamation which small and medium size business often face.

Legal help for false accusations of sexual assault online

Being falsely accused of any crime is a devastating experience, but the impact of false sexual assault allegations can be particularly damaging.

What is defamation by innuendo

Defamation by innuendo refers to misleading implications in statements that can subtly damage a person's reputation without making direct accusations. The vast and rapid spread of information online, coupled with a tendency for sensationalism, makes such indirect defamation particularly harmful on the internet. Essentially, it's like whispering rumors, but on a global scale, where insinuations can be mistaken for truths.

What to do if you are subjected to false allegations of sexual assault on Instagram

One major issue that has become increasingly common is the rise of false allegations of sexual assault on Instagram. While the platform has been a powerful tool for genuine victims to share their stories and seek support, it has also been used by individuals to make unfounded claims of sexual assault against others. These

Why you should consult a solicitor before making a defamation claim

While you don’t need to have a lawyer representing you in your defamation case, you will be wise to ensure that you have proper legal representation in place as early in the proceedings as possible Consulting a solicitor before making a defamation claim is crucial due to the complex nature of UK defamation law. When a defamation claim is unsuccessful, discontinued, or dismissed by a judge, it can exacerbate the

Defamation by Investors Case study

This case study demonstrates how companies may manage a situation where defamation by shareholders results in losses, profits or reputation woes!

Emergency defamation injunctions: A guide

When it comes to online defamation, individuals and organisations often face the critical decision of whether to seek legal intervention before harmful content is published. Understanding the nuances of interim injunctions for defamation is crucial for anyone seeking to protect their reputation pre-emptively. This article aims to explain, in simple terms, the concept of ...

How to obtain disclosure from a website operator if you live outside the United States

Numerous strategies exist for obtaining disclosure from a website, online platform, or company based in the United States. It is difficult to find an attorney who is highly experienced in securing disclosure orders from the US at speed and in a cost-effective way.

What can I do about an unfair Google review?

Whilst Google's review policies are stringent and aimed at ensuring that every review is legitimate and unbiased, there are situations that warrant removing a review, such as if it violates Google's content policies or is fraudulent. There are also instances where a review may be removed following a request from a business owner or a third party, such as their solicitors. To get a better understanding of under what circumstances

We work relentlessly to shield our clients from internet defamation

Each day, we help our clients defend against defamation on the internet. Fighting online defamation is one of the core areas of our law firms. Every day, we help our clients defend against online defamation and other types of digital attacks. We understand how important a business’s online reputation can be, and that's why we strive to help protect it.

Emergency injunctions

An emergency injunction is a legal order that can be issued by a court in order to protect someone from imminent harm. This type of injunction is typically used in cases of blackmail, harassment and breach of privacy where there is a clear and present danger to the victim.

Defamation no win no fee - Our commitment to justice

At Cohen Davis, we specialise in defamation cases, understanding the critical impact they can have on individuals and organisations alike. We believe in access to justice for all, which is why each year we offer to take on an increasing number of cases on a "no win no fee" basis under Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA). This approach underscores our dedication to helping those affected by defamation, regardless of their

How to decide whether to take legal action for defamation

How to take legal action for defamation against an anonymous user

What to do if you are falsely accused of rape on social media

The case of removal of search results from Google worldwide 

Can a company take legal action for a negative review

Strategies and approaches for removing fake online reviews

In this case study, we explore the challenges faced by a small business suffering from defamatory online reviews and the strategic approach taken by a law firm to effectively remove fake online content. By examining the specific steps, legal tactics, and collaborative efforts employed, this article

Defamation against a company and defamation against directors

The first defamation injunction case in the UK against Google search results and blogs

How to overcome online defamation and restore your reputation

If you’re struggling to remove defamatory content posted about you online, or are seeking legal help regarding this issue, read the following case study to grasp how our firm cam help you.

Defamation during a demonstration

In this article, we look at a special case where a newspaper journalist from outside the UK is accused of defamation. Defamation means saying or writing something false about someone that harms their reputation. This case study shows how tricky it can be to take legal action in the UK against a newspaper that's based in another country. We'll talk about the different challenges, like dealing with

What are the potential consequences of exposing someone on social media?

Exposing someone on social media can have legal ramifications. Can you sue someone for exposing you on social media? The answer depends on the specifics of the situation, but it's important to note that exposing someone on social media can lead to legal consequences. In some cases, this may include defamation, harassment or invasion of privacy. Harassment is both a civil and a criminal

How to choose a defamation lawyer