SLANDERed by a colleague, enough evidence to charge him?

Question

On 6Sep, my colleague read out a page on CNN frontpage: "The CIA operates secret prisons abroad for holding key suspects in the war on terror, President Bush admitted for the first time today." Then, he said "Raymond, I don't understand why you are not there." 2 of my other colleagues heard his speech, which was made in open area of the office.
1) I had not consented to this defamatory statement
2) Absolutey, my colleague is not telling the truth as I am not a suspect for terrorism.
3) My colleague has not privilege to defame me. (Neither absolute, spousal and conditional privileges he has on me)
4) It's not a fair and accurate comment made publicly.
5) He is not from any local legislative bodies and administrative bodies
6) He damaged the public interest of my company as I am a fund manager of an investment firm. Being slandered as a terrorist suspect, I and the public in my company got damaged.
7) His person/ property was not threathened making him slander me.
Can Charge him?

Answer 1

You can't charge him with anything. However, you can sue him for libel and slander.

Answer 2

This is not actionable, you do not have a case, and it is not legally cognizable as "slander." In order for a statement to constitute legal defamation, it has to be believable. The context of this statement and the statement itself seem to indicate that there was no way that this was anything but an attempt at humor, albeit perhaps a misguided one.

Also, how is it that you were damaged? If these are two of your colleagues that heard the comment, surely they know you better than that? I think you'd have a hard time convincing anyone that they took it seriously, especially when they likely say that they didn't. Unless this statement was made to the public at large, it is highly unlikely that there is any damage to your company.

Finally, while an accusation of criminal conduct can be considered slanderous per se, thus not requiring any showing of special damages, is this really worth suing over? I think, frankly, you would have an extremely hard time finding a lawyer to touch this.

Answer 3

I don't think it's right that he made this comment for whatever the reason, especially at your place of business. You should definitely do something, as this has damaged your reputation. Perhaps taking it to higher management is an option for you. It sounds like the two of you are not all that close, so I doubt if it was a joke. Either way it was wrong. I would do whatever is necessary to resolve this.

Answer 4

You probably have no case. Your "concern" over the damage to the company is baloney, did you report it to superiors, his or yours? What was done? If you didn't report it using proper channels, your whole claim is compromised...if it was done before and nothing done, then maybe you still have a case.

Also, is there any reason anyone would consider this anything more than really stupid humor? Why would anyone take it as credible? Are you Arab or Muslim? The guy's an idiot, but I really doubt you are damaged by this remark.

Answer 5

I think you should behave in an adult, professional fashion by doing the following:

1. Inform your supervisor of this situation.
2. Ask that HR be brought into the matter.
3. Work with the company to ensure that this kind of behavior is not tolerated.

If you are still not satisfied with the outcome, find another company to work for.

Answer 6

The best advice I can give you is to check with an attorney. It sounds like you might have a case.

Answer 7

Christ on a bike. You must be a fun-filled character. I'm not saying your colleague isn't a ****, but get some perspective!