Recently a paper where we live published an article about my husband. It made many claims, but the most insidious was that he had falsified a document and signed another person's name. Not only did he not do this but we have the copies of the board of directors minutes showing the man claiming he didn't sign the documents did if fact sign them. The entire board stands behind my husband, but the newspaper either did not contact these people, or choose not to print their comments. The paper went on to print pictures of our home and our address. I now have neighbors calling asking what is going on. On went so far as to say it goes to show you just never know what lies in peoples souls! Can a paper be sued for this outlandish and reckless behavior? My husbands reputation and livelihood are damaged. My children are being ridiculed and many of my neighbors look the other way when they see me outside.

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Originally Posted by supportive

Recently a paper where we live published an article about my husband. It made many claims, but the most insidious was that he had falsified a document and signed another person's name. Not only did he not do this but we have the copies of the board of directors minutes showing the man claiming he didn't sign the documents did if fact sign them. The entire board stands behind my husband, but the newspaper either did not contact these people, or choose not to print their comments. The paper went on to print pictures of our home and our address. I now have neighbors calling asking what is going on. On went so far as to say it goes to show you just never know what lies in peoples souls! Can a paper be sued for this outlandish and reckless behavior? My husbands reputation and livelihood are damaged. My children are being ridiculed and many of my neighbors look the other way when they see me outside.

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If it stated what it said were FACTS but they were untrue allegations then, yes, you have a lawsuit.

If the paper used the words "alleged" or anything similar it (unfortunately for you) it boils down to freedom of the press and you have no lawsuit.

I will mention now that it's front page news if it's resolved and your husband was absolutely, positively not at fault that will be mentioned in teeny tiny print W-A-A-Y in the back of the paper.