A false statement made with actual malice can constitute defamation, unless the statement is about a public figure.

Actual Malice

A condition that exists when a person makes a statement with either knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth. In a defamation suit, a statement made about a public figure normally must be made with actual malice for liability to be incurred.

Defamation

The act of damaging the reputation of a person or a group through false statements, either spoken (slander) or written (libel).

Public Figure

An individual in the public limelight. Public figures include government officials and politicians, movie stars, well-known businesspersons, and generally anybody who becomes known to the public because of his or her position or activities.