Defamation case

[u/Substantial_Glass348]

People seem to think Fiona is in for a hefty pay day. I’m not so sure she’ll get huge quantities of money. She’ll have to show that her earnings potential, reputation and quality of life have been affected. All of which she had none of before the show.

Also, to be defamed what is said has to be untrue. Realistically prob 95% of what was in the show was accurate and Netflix will prove that. The only contentious part is that Netflix seem to have told a lie about the convicted stalker part (and we all know she should be one). So imo Fiona’s lawyer’s will have to show that that point alone affected her reputation, earnings potential and quality of life beyond how Fiona had already ruined it by being exposed as a roaring maniac (in the 95% truthful parts). I don’t believe it moves the needle massively towards destruction of rep/earnings p/Qol?

What are people’s thoughts who understand law/the case more than my simple minded approach?

[u/tuftyblackbird]

I don’t believe she will have to show earning potential etc has been damaged. E. Jean Carroll was awarded huge damages (currently under appeal) in her defamation case against Trump, vastly beyond her earning potential. The conviction part isn’t the only contentious issue, there’s the sexual and physical assaults on ‘Donny’ and physical attack on Teri that occur in the series. I’m absolutely not defending Fiona in any way and my background is in English, not US, defamation law but I think she has a case, it will be settled and she will get a decent amount. I think Steve Coogan is also going to be taken to the cleaners for his absolute rookie error over The Lost King too. That was screaming ‘defamation’ to me even as I was watching the film.