Can the creators of southpark be sued... like in the episodes they made fun of tom cruise and in the episode they called paris hilton a stupid spoiled whore?
2006-10-23 10:12:07 · 9 answers · asked by Soggy Biscuits 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If you have the time and money, you can sue anyone you want. Whether you will win will be a different story--there are burdens of proof that plaintiffs must meet. A public figure (such as Paris Hilton) can win a case of libel or slander only if she can prove that the statements were made with "actual malice", which can be hard to prove.
Also, there is a defense recognized in most jurisdictions based on "opinion". If the person makes a statement of opinion as opposed to fact, the statement may not support a cause of action for defamation. Whether a statement is viewed as an expression of fact or opinion can depend upon context - that is, whether or not the person making the statement would be perceived by the community as being in a position to know whether or not it is true. If your employer calls you a pathological liar, it is far less likely to be regarded as opinion than if such a statement is made by somebody you just met.
2006-10-23 10:18:29 · answer #1 · answered by justatouchoflovealittlebit 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A professor once told me, "Anyone can sue anyone for any reason at any time."
So, for libel (defamation) sure. Whether or not they would win is in question, because they'd have to prove actual malice. For public figures, they'd have to prove that the statements were made "knowing it to be false or with reckless disregard for the truth."
2006-10-23 17:20:13 · answer #2 · answered by spewing_originality 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Satire of a public figure is fair game.
Plus Tom would have to prove his reputation was hurt by the "out of the closet episode". And he would have to try and prove he is not gay. South Park could produce hundreds of Hollywood types to say they think he is gay. No harm, it is public knowledge.
Same with Paris.
2006-10-23 17:17:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes. But because of freedom of speech and the fact that the show is a parody - makes fun of people - they probably wouldn't be successful.
2006-10-23 17:31:57 · answer #4 · answered by sillylittlemen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can sue anyone. Do you mean can they be sued successfully? That's much more complicated.
2006-10-23 17:14:08 · answer #5 · answered by what 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For What?
2006-10-23 17:19:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we're all just pawns of the south park dweebs - they drum up controversy to drum up ratings to drum up cash to get expensive cribs and hos. sue them? great! more controversy to drum up ratings to drum up.....well, you know.
2006-10-23 17:21:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Screw you guys, I'm going home.
2006-10-23 17:18:26 · answer #8 · answered by halfshaft 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
no they have a disclaimer
2006-10-23 17:29:38 · answer #9 · answered by tigerlilliebuick 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋