6. We all have an interest in the private life of entertainers. We often discuss the various stories published in the media and this might have an adverse effect on some entertainers. Are the publishers liable for defamation?

6. We all have an interest in the private life of entertainers. We often discuss the various stories published in the media and this might have an adverse effect on some entertainers. Are the publishers liable for defamation?

Publications about entertainers or public figures having a tendency to lower the reputations of these people fall within the scope of defamation under the law. However, as mentioned in Gatley on Libel and Slander (10th edition) , the limits of permissible criticism in public life are wide. For example, if a public figure conducted his private life so as to excite public interest (e.g. hugging and kissing a lady in the street), and the press reported that incident, it may be difficult for that public figure to argue that the article published was capable of being defamatory.

More information about possible defences against defamation claims can be found in section VI.