Libel and slander are methods of defamation. Libel is defamation in written form. Slander is defamation that is spoken out loud.
If you decide to do it alone, your letter should state the specific defamatory statements made, confirm that they are defamatory, indicate the reputational harm caused, demand an apology and retraction of those statements, and demand that they cease making further statements failing which you will sue them.
A defamatory statement must be an assertion of fact, not an opinion. For example, if your boss says that you are not a very nice person, then that statement is likely to be an opinion. On the other hand, if your boss says you have been stealing from the company, that is a statement of fact, not opinion.
I am writing because you recently made defamatory statements about me my company my company and me. I ask that you immediately retract these statements. On date, you summarize what recipient did that is defamatory.
Defamation occurs when one person publishes a false statement that tends to harm the reputation of another person. Written defamation is called libel. Spoken defamation is called slander.
Under the Defamation Act, a person can claim defamation even if the other person did not intend to defame the complainant. If the statement harmed someone's reputation or social standing, they could file a defamation claim. A civil claim is available whether it was written (libel) or spoken(slander) defamation.
I am writing because you recently made defamatory statements about me my company my company and me. I ask that you immediately retract these statements. On date, you summarize what recipient did that is defamatory.
Your letter should ideally state the specific defamatory statement, the reasons why it is untrue, and the damage you're suffering. Also, give the recipient a deadline by which they must retract their statements before you will need to take legal action.
How to Write a Cease and Desist Defamation Letter Identify the false statements: Clearly outline the defamatory remarks and where they were made. Describe the harm: Explain how the statements have affected your reputation or career. Request retraction: Demand the removal of defamatory content or a formal apology.