Defamation refers to the act of harming someone’s reputation by making a false statement about them, either in writing (libel) or verbally (slander). To qualify as defamation, the statement must be: I) Published or circulated to a third party. II) False, rather than just insulting or offensive. III) Harmful, by lowering the claimant’s reputation in the eyes of others or exposing them to ridicule, contempt or injury.