I have a small business, basically I am a broker between my clients and the people they need to hire. I'm like a headhunter (without getting too specific) in the entertainment business.
I have recently been told by two different clients that one of my suppliers has made negative remarks about my character and my business, going to so far as to give their opinion that I should never be hired by that client again.
I'm still pretty baffled by this, because I am the CLIENT of the SUPPLIER!
Regardless, I have never taken legal action against anyone - I have contacted a lawfirm and will see what they recommend - but I'd love to know if I have a case - and what I should expect will happen.

I would appreciate any input

Wanda

Hello W:

There are TWO parts to a slander lawsuit - the lie they told, and the damages you endured... IF you can prove the lie, and you may or may not be able to do so (people's memories change when they're forced to reveal what they said), then you'll need to prove actual cash damages... If the lie hasn't cost you any clients, or any projects, or you can't PROVE they cost you anything, then you won't win.

excon

Yes first is what they are saying untrue, did they not like the service you provided. What exactly are they saying.
If they merely state that they do not like your service and that they would not hire you again that is an opinion.

Can you prove what they are saying is untrue

*** In fact are you sure they are even saying it

I am not actually supplying any sort of service the supplier, rather, they are providing a service to ME, and I am in turn supplying a service to my client.

So are they unhappy with your role as a headhunter, what is their complaint ?

Once my client makes their selects from what I pulled from all my suppliers, I then connect the 2 parties to make the contract.
As fas as I'm concerned the supplier should not be offering their opinion to my client, especially not a negative one.

There are no lies involved (as far as I know) but it's extremely inappropriate for the supplier to initiate this kind of dialogue with my client.

While imappropriate, do you have a written contract with them that they can not contact them, and/or do any other business direct with them.

It sounds more like they are merely trying to cut you out of the business and make more money directly from the other party.

So if there are no lies, then there is no slander or libel, merely business law.

At this point you need to review what contract you have with the parties and see what relief your contract gives you.


In this case you may merely stop using that one party and replace what ever they supply by another supplier

Please don't use the comments feature for follow-up, use the Answer options instead.

Inappropriate is not illegal. Slander involves deliberate and malicious lies about a person. I agree that this sounds like a supplier trying to cut you out.

I would talk to your client that the supplier talked to. Explain to the client that you feel the supplier was trying to muscle in on your business unethically. And that you will not be using such an unethical supplier again. And that you hope the client will continue to use your services.