Reputation matters. It matters even more when you have any sort of public presence. Crossing the line from fair criticism to unjustified attacks on character is what the law of defamation addresses. While free expression means—as it should—that individuals may denounce and even insult others, they cannot make allegations that are untrue and thereby wantonly disparage someone’s character.
If you are concerned you are being defamed online, in the media, or by a competitor, contact the team at KITCHEN WELLS LLP. We have experience helping people, particularly public speakers, protect their reputations from false allegations. Often all it takes is for our team to send a stern letter for people to realize they have gone too far and must stop.
Are you facing the threat of a defamation lawsuit because you have criticized someone for their conduct or ideas? Our team can help by guiding you to an understanding of what is protected as fair comment, by rebuffing efforts to silence you, and by defending you in court if you have already been sued.
Mr. Kitchen was pleased to have won the case of Davies v Butts, 2026 ONSC 3127. Mr. Kitchen represented the Plaintiffs, Northern Perspective podcasters Ryan and Tanya Davies. The Davies were egregiously defamed by a fellow podcaster. Among other things, the Defendant, and some of his online supporters, claimed the Defendant’s false and defamatory accusations amounted to nothing more than free speech. As much as Mr. Kitchen and the Davies staunchly support free speech, the law rightly draws the line at making demonstrably untrue claims that, if believed, will harm a person’s reputation. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice upheld that principle in this case and awarded damages to the Davies.