Not every offensive publication amounts to defamation – Samuel Alesu-Dordzi

A Partner at AudreyGrey, Samuel Alesu-Dordzi, has underscored the need for a clearer public understanding of defamation, stating that not every publication that causes offence, embarrassment, or emotional distress amounts to a defamatory statement.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on July 5, 2026, Alesu-Dordzi explained that the legal concept of defamation is often misunderstood, with many people assuming that any offensive or upsetting publication automatically gives rise to a defamation claim.

He said the law is concerned primarily with whether a publication has damaged a person's reputation, not whether it has merely hurt the person's feelings.

"A writing or a communication or any form of messaging that is annoying or that injures your feelings is not automatically defamation," he said.

According to Alesu-Dordzi, while an individual may feel aggrieved by a publication, such emotional reactions do not, on their own, meet the legal requirements for establishing defamation.

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He further clarified that economic or commercial losses resulting from a publication should not be confused with defamation, as such matters may fall under different areas of law.

"The essence of defamation is reputation. So, any other extra concerns regarding economic interest and all, that is the subject for a different area of the law, and definitely not defamation," he explained.

He also cited breach of confidence as another legal issue that may arise from a publication or disclosure, but does not necessarily constitute defamation.

Alesu-Dordzi urged the public to appreciate the distinction between defamation and other legal wrongs, saying a proper understanding of the law would help prevent the misuse of defamation claims.

"In asking what defamation is, it's equally important to reflect on what it is not as well, because within the same ecosystem, there are a lot of things that sit in that intersection with other areas of the law, but clearly do not fall under defamation," he said.

MRA/EB

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