Are Reviews/Critiques Excluded from Defamation?

Last updated on Sep 8, 2022

Yes, if the review or critique of any public material or performance was made in good faith, then it is not considered an act of defamation. For example, if the author of the material has given permission for it to be reviewed by the public, then anyone making a statement against the same will not be held liable for defamation.

However, while a review or critique of a public material or performance was made in good faith is fine, a personal criticism about the creator that can insult their reputation can still be defamation. For example, it may be okay for you to critique Rushdie’s latest novel as ‘boring and dull’, but you can be punished for saying that “Only a boring and dull novel can be expected out of a nincompoop like Rushdie”.

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