QUESTION
What should I do if someone posted a threatening message to my Facebook? How?
Asked on Aug 06th, 2015 on Criminal Law - Alabama
More details to this question:
I was on Facebook. My mother asked me a question on the board in regards to my brother in law. I answered the question with my honest opinion. I posted the comment. I never mentioned specific names, I just said that the parties involved were being vindictive and hateful. This lady somehow sees what I wrote (she is not on my friends list) then proceeds to send me a private message telling me to stay out of the argument, I have nothing to do with it. Then she went further to threaten to sue me with slander. I had no intention for the situation to escalate the way it did. I was answering the question from my perspective not once mentioning this lady in particular. Because the entire situation involves about 7 or 8 people. So, she doesn't know who I was talking about. I wanted to know what my rights are and what are the chances that this lady has a case? I have not responded nor do I intend to.
7 ANSWERS
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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She didn't threaten you. If you can block her from sending you anything else, do so. Then forget it.
Answered on Aug 10th, 2015 at 3:41 AM
Ronald A. Steinberg
You have NO privacy on the internet. There are a lot of "flamers" who lurk there. Ignore her.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2015 at 7:09 AM
If it was clear that you were merely giving your opinion, then there is no basis for a suit. You can only be sued if you said it as a fact. You should find out how she saw your message.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2015 at 4:34 AM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Madison, WI
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Richard B. Jacobson & Associates, LLC
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It's best not to respond at this point. Is the lady who is threatening to sue the person about you gave your honest and unflattering opinion? That person is likely the only one with a right to sue at all. Most people do not sue for slander: lawyers, judges and juries hate this kind of case. You have a possible good defense if you did not mention her by name. And what damages could she claim? And could you pay them if she won a judgment against you. I would not lose too much sleep over this, but I would suggest that you restrict your unflattering communications to private channels. Why in fact did you post your comment on Facebook? (Was there some barely articulated motivation to embarrass this woman?) In any event, it will pay to be more discreet.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2015 at 8:12 PM
Lisa Hurtado McDonnell
Not a personal injury case.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2015 at 4:11 PM
Plaintiff Animal Bites Attorney serving Missoula, MT
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Bulman Law Associates PLLC
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Ignore it. Do not respond any further.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2015 at 3:40 PM
James Eugene Hasser
Without more details it is tough to say, but you may want to consider letting the Facebook people know. I doubt seriously that you need to worry about getting sued for slander (it would be libel, anyway) because truth is a defense to such a claim. Good luck.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2015 at 2:14 PM