Before we look at some of these lawsuits, let me explain what is legally defined as Libel . A plaintiff who sues for Libel must prove all of the above and be able to demonstrate some type of resulting damage. This could include being shunned by friends and associates, inability to obtain work because potential employers believed the false accusations.
Some states allow for a jury to assess damages based generally on reputational harm.
You can lie all you want under these circumstances and not be able to be successfully sued for Libel. Malice means either knowledge of the falsity or reckless disregard for the truth. It's the truth. If you have facts and evidence supporting your statement as being true, the plaintiff will not be able to prove that it is false. The group being defamed is too large so as not to be defamatory to any individual.