Posted by 1LeggedManInAnAssKickinContest at client-151-201-71-185.the-i-pa.com on August 22, 2001 at 14:12:09:
In Reply to: QUESTION FOR ANYONE, and wizard world 2001 posted by Ranger Joe the Happy Camper on August 22, 2001 at 13:45:47:
Anyways my question is: what is legal when it comes to "ripping on" celebrities in comics and movies? I.G. Screech, A.C. Slater, Tony Danza, Dorf...
It depends on what you mean by "ripping." First off, if a celebrity would consent to any kind of "ripping," then of course it’s okay. If you mean just poking fun at prior performances and the like, even without their consent, then no harm, no foul once again.
However, if you attack a celebrity (or anyone, for that matter) with statements that negatively affect that person’s reputation and keeps people from associating with them, you could wind up in trouble. This is typically an attack on a person’s character, and hence defamation of character. If you knew the statements you make about someone are false when you make them, and you were to make them with actual malice (or were negligent in making them), then you’ll probably be getting some papers from your local magistrate.
So, poking fun at someone is legal; blatantly discrediting them isn’t.