In writing the topical stuff for NR/TS can you actually write something that is libelous.( spelling??? sorry!)
In writing a sketch I have a certain well known Lord in the cabinet getting a call from the now Ex-governor of Illinois.
The Lord says to his Secretary- : He's very dodgy you know. Strange I haven't come across him before.
Am I in danger of being libelous towards the Lord here?
Quote: Griff @ January 30 2009, 10:23 AM GMTI wouldn't worry bigfella. Treason Show and especially NewsRevue say the most appalling and outrageous things about everybody all the time. The time to worry is if you're not being libellous enough.
Good!!!!!
You can't libel some one with a joke.
Does something by Bobby Davro actually count a a joke though?
i was given to understand that, libel-wise, the director of the show takes on the responsibility by deciding to use your material.
So the writer is covered.
Can't see any need for concern with that particular line as it can be interpreted in two ways:
1. The honourable, diligent Lord is surprised he isn't aware of such a loathesome rascal.
2. The conniving Lord is disappointed that he is not acquainted with this like-minded individual.
No case for libel.
Wouldn't it be slander anyway? With libel being something that's written (and read) and slander being something that's said?
You can libel someone with a joke (that you think it is funny is no reason that it won't damage the claimant's reputation).
If a person writes a script that contains untrue statements that harm another's reputation in the eyes of others, then passes it on to a third party, that is libel. That a director might incur liability for defamation as well does not obliterate your original liability: as the author you would be strictly liable.
You don't need to name someone to defame them – if it is clear to whom you are alluding (as it is in your opening post) that can easily constitute libel too – and as the internet has a much wider audience than New Revue I'd say you've already taken the bigger gamble by starting this thread than you would by putting pen to paper. And as the meaning is clearly meant to be harmful to his reputation (you pretty much explicitly say so) I'm afraid Geoff's defence will be of little help to you in court.
However, I would imagine it is extremely unlikely Lord Mandelson would be looking to sue: firstly I understand his job is keeping him quite occupied at the moment, secondly I think in context the joke probably won't do his reputation that much harm (devastatingly well-written though I'm sure it will be), thirdly it would just be unwise of him on the basis that the ensuing publicity of bringing the case would only increase the attention given to your joke (by a factor of thousands) and even if he were to take you on and win his damages would be so minute that his costs would dwarf them and his victory would be rather pyrrhic.
Quote: Exocet @ February 1 2009, 11:36 PM GMTYou can libel someone with a joke (that you think it is funny is no reason that it won't damage the claimant's reputation).
If a person writes a script that contains untrue statements that harm another's reputation in the eyes of others, then passes it on to a third party, that is libel. That a director might incur liability for defamation as well does not obliterate your original liability: as the author you would be strictly liable.
You don't need to name someone to defame them – if it is clear to whom you are alluding (as it is in your opening post) that can easily constitute libel too – and as the internet has a much wider audience than New Revue I'd say you've already taken the bigger gamble by starting this thread than you would by putting pen to paper. And as the meaning is clearly meant to be harmful to his reputation (you pretty much explicitly say so) I'm afraid Geoff's defence will be of little help to you in court.
However, I would imagine it is extremely unlikely Lord Mandelson would be looking to sue: firstly I understand his job is keeping him quite occupied at the moment, secondly I think in context the joke probably won't do his reputation that much harm (devastatingly well-written though I'm sure it will be), thirdly it would just be unwise of him on the basis that the ensuing publicity of bringing the case would only increase the attention given to your joke (by a factor of thousands) and even if he were to take you on and win his damages would be so minute that his costs would dwarf them and his victory would be rather pyrrhic.
Cliff Richard is a homo.
Sapien?
Quote: Badge @ February 1 2009, 11:48 PM GMTSapien?
Yes. A gay homo sapien.
Quote: Griff @ February 1 2009, 11:53 PM GMTOh, I say!!!
Not the first time he's rubbed cream in his face I'll wager.
Quote: Griff @ February 1 2009, 11:58 PM GMTAlso some naughty person seems to have added the song "Oh Christ I'm Coming" to Cliff's discography on Wikipedia.
And just who would that naughty person be, Mr Griffle?
Ripe for satire?
And that's before we even mention Gerry's 'crime of passion'.
Oh dear. Then THAT means that you've been looking at Sir Cliff's discography for other purposes than comedy.
This is not good.
