Do I have a case for slander against my former district manager?
Asked by RK J
During a counseling session, my DM called me racist twice in relation to a complaint he had received against me from one of my subordinates. The complaint said I had stated I was changing my name to Mr. Haj from my current name of Mr. XXX. I made the statement in a joking manner due to some things happening one day, but it could have been Mr. Hodge instead of Haj for all the complaintant knew. Also, I advised him that I could have said Garcia or Smith, but chose Hadge/Haj out of thin air. I also advised him that I was not racist because I am married to a Filipina and many of my best friends are Black or Hispanic even if I am Caucasian. He still insisted I was racist. My store director was also there and since this was in the presence of a third party, could he be liable for slander and defamation of character? I need a legal answer because since this counseling session occurred, I have been terminated from this employer.

Best Answer:
Unfortunately there is no case for slander. To have a case the slander would have to be so grievous that it effects everything from your personal to your professional life (i.e., neighbors looking at you different...unable to ever secure future employment.) In short, you have to have damages. At worst your DM handled this situation very poorly. I would submit a written response to this allegation to be put in my file as a defense in the event of any future problems. The written word is sometimes much stronger than verbal.
Law student 2L
Answered by redvelvetflames4ever

I would think its like sexual harassment were they have to tell you they were offended then if you did it again it would be harassment. As far as I'm concerned everyone now these days are way to sensitive. There are six sense's. Sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing, and sometimes most important humor.
Answered by matthewky1234

i am not sure what you mean by a counceling session it can't be just the one reason that you were terminated. whether you are 30 or 5 years old......... learn to apologize instead of justify youself. You are not an all out racists as in white supremacy.... but you made an insensitive comment. dont try the Hodge defense. there were lynch mobs going after pakastanis and Indians a few years back. You must have made other comments or shown yourself to not play well with others in your arguing for this to be the source of your termination. Would you sue to get a job back? for money? I dont think that you would get much out of a jury, but who knows about the job.
Answered by smartass_yankee_tom

If there is any truth to the accusation than there is no case for slander. From what you have written is seems no case for slander, but you may have an action for the termination.
Answered by larry w

Hello my is Linda Devenport I work with Legal Services. I read your post on Yahoo and I would love to see if I could help you out with your legal matters...You can contact me at 608-782-0925 or my email is ladybugsmom54603@hotmail.com
Answered by ladybugsmom54601