Can a celebrity personalty or politician be used as characters in a novel?
2007-03-23 17:03:15 · 3 answers · asked by fraz 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Yes they can. They are public figures. Just be careful how you portray them. Look at the lawsuits celebs win against the tabloids. Unless it is just a casual reference, I would change the name slightly. You can be sued for defamation of character. You may very well win, but it will cost you a ton of money in legal fees. Pax - C.
2007-03-23 17:23:32 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are all the time in historic novels, but I'd contact their representatives if they are still alive. Just depends on what light they are shown in, positive, or negative makes a difference.
2007-03-24 00:15:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only public personality you can write about without the fear of being sued in today's court happy society is to write about one who is dead. This issue went to court once, and it was ruled that you cannot slander the dead.
2007-03-24 00:08:55 · answer #3 · answered by hellotinkerbell1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋