Opinion ID: 1878384
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Issue of Truth

Text: Finding that there was a publication, we next turn to the issue of truth. True statements, however disparaging, are not actionable. Stuempges, 297 N.W.2d at 255. Since it is true that plaintiffs were fired for gross insubordination, the company argues, they cannot maintain an action for defamation. The company contends the relevant statement to consider when analyzing the defense of truth is the one that plaintiffs made to their prospective employers, that is, that they had been fired for gross insubordination. Plaintiffs counter that it is the truth or falsity of the underlying statement  that plaintiffs engaged in gross insubordination  that is relevant. The company relies for its authority solely upon language of this court in Johnson v. Dirkswager, 315 N.W.2d 215, 218-19 (Minn.1982), where we raised the question whether truth as a defense goes to the verbal accuracy of the statement or to the underlying implication of the statement. In Dirkswager, however, it was unnecessary to resolve the question. Moreover, that case is distinguishable from the present case because there the underlying statements were presented merely as allegations of misconduct. Id. at 219 n. 4. Here, the company's charges against plaintiffs went beyond accusations and were conclusory statements that plaintiffs had engaged in gross insubordination. Requiring that truth as a defense go to the underlying implication of the statement, at least where the statement involves more than a simple allegation, appears to be the better view. See Restatement (Second) of Torts § 581A, comment e (1977). Moreover, the truth or falsity of a statement is inherently within the province of the jury. This court will not overturn a jury finding on the issue of falsity unless the finding is manifestly and palpably contrary to the evidence. Thus, we find no error on this point because the record amply supports the jury verdict that the charge of gross insubordination was false.