SPONSORED – Attorney Andrea McNairy of Brown & Crouppen Law Firm explains that defamation happens when someone makes a false statement that harms another’s reputation — whether it’s libel (written) or slander (spoken). While opinions are protected, knowingly spreading lies can lead to legal trouble. Private individuals must prove negligence, but public figures face a higher bar — they must show actual malice, meaning the statement was made knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for the