What is the most famous defamation case?
Asked by: Katlynn Rath | Last update: February 7, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (30 votes)
There isn't one single "most famous," but top contenders include the Alex Jones Sandy Hook trials (massive damages for hoax claims), the Dominion v. Fox News settlement (huge payout for election lies), Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard (global media spectacle), and historically, New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which set landmark First Amendment standards for defamation.
What is the biggest defamation case?
Susman Godfrey lawyers have a proven track record in defamation litigation. In a landmark event, they secured what is believed to be the largest defamation settlement in history—$787.5 million from Fox News on behalf of Dominion Voting Systems.
Has anyone gone to jail in the US for defamation?
In the United States, defamation is primarily treated as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense. This means that in most cases, someone who makes false statements that damage another person's reputation can be sued for monetary damages but won't face jail time or criminal penalties.
Who won the McDonald's libel case?
In the original 1997 UK High Court trial, McDonald's largely won against activists Helen Steel and David Morris, who were ordered to pay damages for libel, but the judge also found some of their criticisms (like exploitation of children, low wages, and animal cruelty) to be true, making it a mixed and controversial result. However, in 2005, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in favor of Steel and Morris, finding they were denied a fair trial due to the lack of legal aid, effectively overturning their convictions and highlighting it as a victory for free expression and libel reform.
What is the most famous court case ever?
The Top-77 Most Famous Trials in History
- O.J. Simpson. ...
- Casey Anthony. Defendant: Young Florida mother Casey Anthony. ...
- Al Capone. Defendant: Notorious gangster Alphonse “Scarface” Capone. ...
- Ted Bundy. Defendant: Infamous serial killer Theodore Robert Bundy. ...
- Socrates. ...
- Black Sox Scandal. ...
- The Menendez Brothers. ...
- Michael Jackson.
Defamation, Slander & Libel Explained by an Employment Lawyer
What is the stupidest court case?
We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.
Does Gen Z like true crime?
Yes, Generation Z is a huge demographic for true crime, consuming it heavily through streaming, podcasts, and social media platforms like TikTok, driven by curiosity, a desire for control and closure in a chaotic world, preparedness, and the ability to engage with stories through online communities. They often watch for understanding, safety tips, and the shared experience of amateur sleuthing.
What is the longest running case?
Myra Clark Gaines' 19th century fight over an enormous inheritance is still the longest-running civil lawsuit in American history, taking over 60 years to finally find some kind of resolution. The United States Supreme Court called her case "the most remarkable in the records."
Has anyone sued McDonald's and won?
Yes, people have successfully sued McDonald's and won, most famously Stella Liebeck, who won a significant settlement for severe burns from hot coffee, and more recently, class-action lawsuits for labor violations and racial discrimination, though many cases end in settlements or dismissals. McDonald's has also successfully sued others, like a Scottish shop owner over the "McMunchies" name, demonstrating they vigorously defend their brand, according to this McDonald's Wiki page on Fandom.
Why is Helen Steel famous?
Helen Steel (born 1965) is an environmental and social justice activist who is known for her involvement in the McLibel case, an English lawsuit for libel filed by McDonald's Corporation that lasted for 10 years and was eventually taken to the European Court of Human Rights, where Steel and fellow campaigner David ...
Who cannot sue for defamation?
You cannot sue for defamation based on statements considered “privileged.” For example, when a witness testifies at trial and makes a false and injurious statement, the witness will be immune to a lawsuit for defamation because the act of testifying at trial is privileged.
What proof is needed for defamation?
To prove defamation (libel or slander), you generally need to show a defendant made a false statement of fact, communicated it to a third party, with at least negligence (or actual malice for public figures), that it was about you, and that it caused you actual harm or damages, like reputational or financial loss, with truth being a strong defense.
What is the hardest lawsuit to win?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
Who is the most sued person in history?
Jonathan Lee Riches is a convicted fraudster known for the many lawsuits he has filed in various United States district courts. Riches was incarcerated at Federal Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, for wire fraud under the terms of a plea bargain.
What is the famous case of defamation?
Priya Ramani case and Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India are examples of defamation cases. A recent famous case is the 2022 trial between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Depp sued Heard for defamation following her publication of an op-ed implying domestic abuse.
What is McDonald's McRib meat made of?
The McRib is a seasoned, boneless pork patty made from ground pork shoulder, formed into a rib shape, and coated in tangy barbecue sauce, pickles, and onions on a bun. Despite its name, it doesn't contain actual pork ribs, but rather restructured pork mixed with water, spices, dextrose, and preservatives for flavor and texture.
How much did the lady get for suing McDonald's for hot coffee?
She sued McDonald's and a jury awarded her nearly $3 million in punitive damages for the burns she suffered. Typical reaction: Isn't coffee supposed to be hot? And McDonald's didn't pour the coffee on her, she spilled it on herself! Besides, she was driving the car and wasn't paying attention.
What was the worst court case in history?
The Supreme Court's WORST Ever Case: Dred Scott v Sandford - American History Hit | Acast.
Who is Myra Gaines?
Myra Clark Gaines (c. June 30, 1804 – January 9, 1885) was an American socialite and plaintiff in the longest-running lawsuit in the history of the United States court system.
What is the biggest lawsuit in history?
The title of Largest Legal Settlement in U.S. History belongs to the 1998 Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Settlement. The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement – as it is known – targeted the four largest tobacco companies in the United States – Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds, Brown & Williamson and Lorillard.
Why can't Gen Z flirt?
Gen Z grew up being online, we have no option but to make social media and the internet an inherent part of us, more than socialising, and so performative affection feels easier and safer than a genuine, direct one.
What is Gen Z obsessed with?
There is evidence that Generation Z is also nostalgic for the 1990s and 2000s, given the popularity of aesthetics such as grunge, Y2K, and Frutiger Aero among this cohort.
What kind of person enjoys true crime?
Women are more prone to enjoy and obsess over true crime than men because they are disproportionately likely to be victims of crime. The driving force behind this obsession is the desire to experience fear in a controlled environment, where we can safely explore unsettling emotions without real danger.