Libel and slander are two forms of defamation. Defamation is defined as a false statement communicated to another person that damages your reputation by exposing you to hatred, contempt, or ridicule from other people. Libel is communicating a defamatory statement by writing or picture. Slander is defamation by oral or spoken communication. If such words were written or spoken of you, you are not defamed if the words were true.
Truth is a complete defense to defamation.
Even if your reputation is damaged by a defamatory communication, you cannot recover if the communication was true. There are a number of other defenses to the charge of defamation. Most notable is the defense of privilege. A person may have spoken or written the words about you in a privileged way, that is, the law allows certain people to say certain things in certain places without fear of being charged with defamation. For example, public officials, such as city council members, performing their official duties may be protected by the privilege, as are statements made in judicial or legislative proceedings.