Responding to Online Defamation

Solicitor defamed online: how false reviews and Facebook posts damaged a legal practice and what we did to stop it

Running a legal practice carries immense responsibility and public scrutiny. When a former client’s relative began spreading false fraud claims on Facebook, Trustpilot and local forums, the impact on Emily’s firm was immediate as clients cancelled, partnerships paused and staff morale dropped. Emily turned to us to protect her reputation and stop the escalating damage.

How to preserve Instagram account data and request disclosure before it’s too late

When false allegations are sent from an anonymous social media account, the damage can be instant and irreversible. In this case study, our client, Adam (not his real name), faced a devastating smear campaign on Instagram that led to the breakdown of his long-term relationship, and how missing a short deadline for Instagram account deletion meant the opportunity to unmask the person responsible was lost.

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.

How we helped a university student stop online defamation and harassment

False accusations of sexual assault can devastate a young person's life, especially for students navigating early adulthood while trying to focus on their studies and future. This was the experience of our client.

How we helped a small farm shop defend its reputation

Many small business owners will recognise the sinking feeling that comes when a single disgruntled customer, even after attempts have been made to address their concerns, launches into an online campaign to destroy a reputation built over many years and thousands of hours of hard labour. This was exactly what happened to our client in this case study. We share how we helped the owners of a rural farm shop stop a campaign of fake reviews and defamatory posts, protect their reputation, and regain control.

How a social media post caused a professional nightmare

Our client, a dentist working in Manchester, contacted us after his life was turned upside down by a single moment and an even faster-moving online backlash. One misunderstood comment outside a nightclub, followed by an Instagram story accusing him of harassment, snowballed into a near reputational ruin only spared by his fast response and prompt legal advice he sought. This case centres around one critical theme: how defamation via social media, even without formal charges or evidence, can destroy a career and future prospects.

Legal help for businesses facing fake and defamatory online reviews

Every day, businesses across the UK are targeted by fake and damaging online reviews. These attacks are often malicious, sometimes even planted by competitors, and they can quickly ruin reputations built over years—if not decades. At our firm, we specialise in helping business owners not only remove these harmful reviews but also restore their good name. Here's how we helped one client fight back and reclaim control over their business identity.

Case study: Defamation on TrustPilot

This case study explores the growing mistrust in TrustPilot's review system due to its lack of transparency and potential biases. We examine a medical practice targeted by defamatory reviews, highlighting the challenges faced and the legal strategies used to combat them, while offering practical advice for businesses in similar situations.

Defamation against children is a growing problem for parents

Child defamation, whether through playground gossip, after-school rumours, or false accusations on social media, is becoming an increasingly difficult issue to manage. These false claims can have devastating effects on children and their families, leaving them feeling isolated, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn for support.

How to avoid legal pitfalls when taking legal action for defamation

Before filing a defamation claim, there are many reasons why one must consult a defamation lawyer. These eight reasons are some of the top reasons why it is in everyone’s best interest to consult a lawyer prior to filing a defamation claim.

What happens when fake news targets your family? Here's how to fight back

Imagine discovering a deeply disturbing fake news article online falsely accusing you of endangering your child. This was the painful reality our client faced when a fabricated story involving him, his daughter, and their pet python went viral.

What to do if when you are defamed on YouTube

If you’ve been targeted by defamation on YouTube, there are legal ways to take action, ways that actually work if handled properly. At Cohen Davis, we specialise in this kind of work. We want you to understand what’s possible and how the law can help. 

I found my name is associated with pornography, what can I do?

Discovering your name linked to pornographic content can feel overwhelming and deeply distressing, especially when you have never consented to or participated in such material. You are not powerless. In this case study, we share how one of our clients faced the same situation and how we were able to help her remove the damaging associations and reclaim her online reputation.

What to do if you’ve been defamed by a newspaper article

Being defamed by a newspaper article can be deeply upsetting. Whether the article was in print or appeared online, false and harmful statements can cause lasting damage to your reputation, relationships and livelihood. It’s not just about hurt feelings—reputational harm can have very real consequences. If you’re facing this kind of situation, understanding your legal rights and the steps you can take is essential.

I’ve been defamed on X – here’s what you need to know

Being defamed on Twitter — now called X — can feel overwhelming. One moment, everything is fine. The next, your name or your business is being dragged through the mud in a viral post. X moves fast, and the impact can hit hard and spread quickly. Whether you're a public figure, business owner, or private individual, the effects of defamation on this platform can be long-lasting and deeply personal. If you're facing this situation, you're not alone. There are clear steps you can take to protect your name and your future.

How we stopped a campaign of online defamation and harassment against a charity worker

In this case study, we reveal how our legal team put a stop to a Facebook smear campaign targeting a pair of community leaders. It illustrates what victims of online defamation, harassment and malicious falsehood can do to regain control and protect their reputations.

If you have been the victim of defamation online, read on. This guide was written for you

Are companies liable for defamatory comments posted by employees?

In this case study, we examine the concept of vicarious liability in defamation, where employers can be held accountable for their employees' defamatory actions if these occur within the scope of employment. We focus on the legal precedents, particularly the case of Paul Britton and Origin Design, where an employee's misuse of company resources for defamation resulted in significant legal repercussions for both the individual and the company. This study highlights the conditions under which a company may be liable and provides strategies for businesses to protect themselves from similar reputational risks.

What to do if you are defamed on Facebook

What to do if you are defamed in an online newspaper article