Defamation in Ontario: What to Do If Someone Is Spreading Lies About You

In the age of social media, false and damaging statements can spread faster than ever. If someone has made false statements about you — whether online, in writing, or verbally — that have harmed your reputation, you may have a defamation claim. Ontario law provides remedies for both libel (written defamation) and slander (spoken defamation), and in serious cases, the damages can be significant.

What Is Defamation?

Defamation occurs when someone makes a false statement about you to a third party that tends to lower your reputation in the eyes of a reasonable person. To succeed in a defamation claim in Ontario, you must establish three things: the statement was made to at least one other person (published), the statement refers to you (identified), and the statement is defamatory (tends to harm your reputation). Once you establish these elements, the law presumes that the statement is false and that you have suffered damage. The burden then shifts to the defendant to prove a defence.

Online Defamation

Social media posts, online reviews, blog posts, and comments can all give rise to defamation claims. The fact that a statement was made online does not make it any less actionable. If anything, the broad reach of the internet can increase the damages. Ontario courts have awarded significant damages for defamatory statements made on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Google Reviews, and other online forums. Anonymous posters can also be identified through court orders requiring the platform to disclose their identity.

Defences to Defamation

The most common defences are truth (justification), fair comment (an honest opinion on a matter of public interest based on proven facts), and qualified privilege (statements made in certain protected contexts, such as employment references). Ontario's Courts of Justice Act also provides protection against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) — if the defendant can show the claim arises from expression on a matter of public interest, the plaintiff must demonstrate the claim has substantial merit and the harm is serious enough to justify proceeding.

What to Do If You Have Been Defamed

Preserve evidence immediately — take screenshots, save copies, and note when and where the statement was made. Do not engage publicly with the person making the statements, as this can complicate your legal position. Contact a lawyer promptly. In some cases, a strongly worded demand letter is enough to get the statements taken down and secure an apology. In others, court proceedings may be necessary.

Contact Ken Wise & Associates

Ken Wise & Associates handles defamation claims for individuals and businesses in Ontario. Whether you need to stop false statements, seek damages for harm to your reputation, or defend against a defamation claim, we can advise you on your options. Contact us for a consultation.