There are, however, some circumstances in which a statement about a group might be defamatory of one or more individuals within that group. One of the factors you must consider in such a situation is the size of the group. The larger the group, the less likely it will be that a statement concerning that group will be considered by the public as referring to an individual within the group. The distinction between fact and opinion is not always clear, and often turns as much upon the presentation of the statement as it does upon the substance of the statement. This distinction becomes important when we consider the numerous defenses to claims of defamation.
Truth is a defense to a claim of defamation, but only if the statement is one of fact.
If the statement is more an opinion than a fact, then truth is not available as a defense. There are numerous defenses available to someone who has published an opinion that might be defamatory, but one of the most common is the defense of fair comment. A statement that is otherwise defamatory can be protected if it is made honestly, in good faith, without malice and it relates to a matter of public interest. The context of the piece containing the statement is also important in determining whether it is defamatory and whether one or more defenses saves it. For example, there is more leeway in the context of a program based on comedy or satire than there is in a news-type program.