threat of being sued for Slander

[Clarence2]

In conversations with my cousin I told him that his hairdresser was an admited drug user. He then went and told this woman what I had said. This woman called my house requesting that I stop talking about her and that she had been clean from drugs for 15 years blah, blah, blah. My brother told me this person was a drug user because he had witnessed her drug use. I called this hairdresser and gave her a piece of my mind, specifically telling her to not call my !#$&*# house anymore and that I knew for a fact she was a drug addict. I left this on her answering machine, where I clearly identified myself. Yesterday in the mail I received a letter from this hairdresser stating that I cease calling her names and that she had me on tape "slandering" her. She demanded that I write an affidavit of apology because this "slander" was harming her business & that she has had several clients calling to ask if the rumor is true. She thrreatened to sue me if I do not write this letter. My questions is does she have a case? She is a drug user. Should I contact a lawyer? Any help is appreciated

 

[Taxguy]

>>My questions is does she have a case? She is a drug user.<<

If you can prove the truth of your statement in Court, its an absolute defense. "Hearsay" is not proof.
If not, you've probably slandered her.

 

[JETX]

Clarence:

If you have PROOF that she was involved in drugs, you might be able to defend yourself against her charges. But if you don't have PROOF, you may very probably made yourself liable for her provable damages.

However, this really doesn't answer the question of intelligence vs. stupidity. What difference was it of yours whether someone elses hairdresser was or wasn't involved in drugs in her past life??? Especially considering that you were making a stupid comment that can have a tremendous impact on someone's life and you based your comments not on first-hand information, but on your brothers rumored statement??? And then, when she contacted you and "REQUESTED" that you cease defaming her, you stupidly called her and 'gave her a piece of your mind'. Surely, this must have left you with very little left, since you obviously had none to spare!!!

I guess there is no end to the inane and stupid situations that mankind can get himself into!!! Definitely an 'honorable mention' in the Darwin Award..... "Only you can help clean the gene pool!!".

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Steve:

I just love it when you talk this way. I get goose bumps and my heart begins to flutter.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

IAAL