How to defend yourself from viral online defamation on TikTok

• False accusations of sexual assault online
• False accusation of rape on social media
• Falsely accused of rape

How we stopped false TikTok rape allegations from destroying a young man’s future

What happens when someone falsely accuses you of rape online and those claims go viral? Our client faced a torrent of abuse and public shaming after a former partner published defamatory TikTok videos with serious criminal allegations.

Our client was subjected to false rape allegations on TikTok

What to do when false rape allegations are posted on TikTok

Is it defamation if the person believes the story they are telling

Gathering evidence: The story behind the defamatory viral TikTok posts

Taking legal action for defamation without going to court

Understanding online defamation law in the UK

When is a defamation claim also harassment

The outcome: A restored reputation and legal protection

Lawyers’ thoughts on the case

Our client was subjected to false rape allegations on TikTok

In early 2021, a young man, let’s call him Thomas, was suddenly thrust into a nightmare. Without warning or any prior contact for years, he discovered a series of 24 deeply damaging TikTok videos, falsely accusing him of rape, abuse and imprisonment. The allegations were false, but that didn’t stop the online world from reacting harshly. His name, image, and reputation were spread across TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and community gossip.

The videos rapidly gained traction, amplified by the nature of the allegations and the rise of the #MeToo movement. The effect on Thomas’s mental health, safety and future prospects was immediate and devastating. This case study explains how we helped him reclaim his name, remove the defamatory videos, and stop the smear campaign in its tracks.

What to do when false rape allegations are posted on TikTok

When Thomas contacted us, he had already been forced out of his shared accommodation in Bristol, cut off from his social circles, and abandoned by his professional network. He was overwhelmed with panic, shame, and confusion. What scared him most was the uncertainty: would this spiral further? Could he be arrested? What if future employers Googled his name?

The first step to addressing the false accusations was to calm the situation and assess the legal position. The false allegations, claiming he had locked the accuser in a basement, beaten and raped her, were not only damaging his online reputation , but deeply serious in nature. Left unchallenged, they could follow him for life.

Is it defamation if the person believes the story they are telling

Many victims of defamation worry that if the accuser “believes” their own story, there’s no legal recourse. However, under UK defamation law, a defendant cannot rely solely on their belief to avoid liability. To successfully defend a defamation claim, the individual must prove the allegation is substantially true.

Alternatively, if claiming it was an honest opinion or in the public interest, they must show that the belief was genuinely held, based on existing facts, and that they made reasonable enquiries to verify it. In this case, we were able to demonstrate that the allegations were not only untrue but clearly contradicted by evidence, including social media history, timelines, and public communications by the accuser herself.

Gathering evidence: The story behind the defamatory viral TikTok posts

The allegations stemmed from a relationship that had ended nearly seven years earlier, when both parties were minors. The accuser, whom we’ll call Lily, had since had no contact with Thomas. In her TikTok videos, Lily told a story of sustained abuse, sexual violence, and captivity.

 However, through Thomas’s evidence, including screenshots of messages, timeline inconsistencies, past social media interactions, and witness accounts, we built a clear picture of distortion. For example, she claimed she was imprisoned in a basement in Portugal, but the building layout and family presence made that impossible.

She had also engaged in public conversations on Ask.fm with Thomas years after the supposed events, contradicting her story of trauma and fear. In one infamous instance, she pretended to have been beaten and posted defamatory photos on Facebook, but friends identified it as makeup. These weren’t just embellishments but rather they were calculated fabrications intended to provoke outrage.

Taking legal action for defamation without going to court

Thomas was keen to resolve the matter privately. Going to court could draw more attention, create additional stress and legal costs, and prolong the case. Instead, we prepared a detailed and powerful cease and desist letter that outlined nearly the entire legal case our client had against the accuser.

It was designed not only to set out the evidence and legal position clearly but also to signal to any lawyer reviewing it on behalf of the accuser that the best course of action would be to settle the matter in our client’s favour. It is important to note that if you wish to avoid legal proceedings, the cease and desist letter your solicitor sends must be taken seriously by the other side. These letters often form a significant part of the legal claim later on and can heavily influence the outcome.

Initially, there was no response, but shortly after receiving a follow-up with a draft court claim form and a formal undertaking to stop, Lily quietly removed all the TikTok videos and issued a private apology. Crucially, she also signed a binding legal undertaking not to post about Thomas again. This created a safeguard against any future recurrence. If she breaks it, she risks serious legal consequences.

Understanding online defamation law in the UK

In the UK, defamation is a legal wrong that occurs when someone publishes a false statement that harms your reputation. It applies both to written (libel) and spoken (slander) allegations. Online videos are typically treated as libel because they are recorded and published. The burden of proof is on the accuser.

If they make serious allegations, especially about criminal conduct like rape or abuse, they must provide evidence. If they can’t, the publication is likely unlawful.

What makes online defamation so dangerous is its speed and permanence. TikTok videos can spread faster than traditional news, and even after removal, screenshots and reuploads may persist. That’s why swift legal intervention is key to removing false accusations online.

When is a defamation claim also harassment

Harassment occurs when a person engages in a course of conduct that causes you alarm or distress. In this case, the repeated publication of damaging material, combined with the tone and intent of the videos, crossed the line into harassment.

Our letter of claim made this clear. Often, targeting someone with repeated allegations, threats, or humiliation is enough to satisfy the test for online harassment. In such situations, it’s possible to seek an urgent harassment injunction, which is an order from the court forcing the person to stop, with criminal consequences for breaches.

The outcome: A restored reputation and legal protection

Thomas never had to go to court. The strength of the evidence, the clarity of the legal letter, and the offer of a resolution persuaded the accuser to stop. With the material gone and a legal promise secured, Thomas was able to begin rebuilding his life. He told us he felt a sense of peace for the first time in months.

Lawyers’ thoughts on the case

This case was a stark reminder of the harm that false online allegations can cause, especially when amplified by platforms like TikTok. It also showed that with quick action and the right legal strategy, reputations can be restored.

 What made the case complex wasn’t just the nature of the allegations, but the lack of immediate response from the accuser. Many clients fear that if someone ignores the legal letter, there’s no hope. However, a shown in this instance, persistence, follow-up communication, and the strategic use of a draft claim form achieved a resolution without court.

Our team’s understanding of digital platforms and how misinformation spreads was key. So was our ability to combine emotional support with technical precision, ensuring that our client felt heard, protected, and empowered. For anyone facing similar allegations online, the message is clear: silence is not your only option.