Quote:
Originally Posted by IamNotKenKing
You have to prove you suffered a harm to your reputation within the community. Often lost wages or opportunity because of the defamatory comments are the easiest way to quantify them, but not the only way.
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IIRC (and though I'm a lawyer I don't do defamation stuff too much), the fact that a defamation occurred gives rise to a presumption of damage, and at least nominal damages will be awarded and often mitigatiev steps such as retractions and apologies will also be directed.
The courts will award damages for non-pecuniary loss such (i.e. pain and suffering) with some evidence of that harm.
With celebrities, damages can be bigger given that their reputation is part of their value. You still have to prove it if you want something substantial in dolar amount. Funny though, it's often struck me that suing just increases the harm by keeping the spotlight on the situation. In this case, however, since it was immediately made clear the statement was false, that probably isn't a factor.
In this case I suspect it'll be settled, since the media defendants will not want further attention given to their gross error.