Do I have legal rights regarding my life story in a book?

Full question:

I was interviewed by someone writing a book. My understanding was that the purpose of the interview was to collect people's thoughts on the topic of her book (in this case the idea of being 'wrong') In the context of the conversation I unwittingly disclosed many personal details of my life. She has now written my life story, in the context of one of the chapters, with graphic details. I have informed her she does not have consent to publish this information. She has responded that it will be published but identifying information will be excluded. Nonetheless, it is her version of my life story (often incorrect) and chronicles my life story from childhood through adulthood. Even if my name were changed, my life story is identifiable to those who know me. Do I have any legal rights in this matter. I did not sign any release of rights of my life story and have expressly indicated in writing that she does not have my consent to include any information related to me in her book. So again, do I have any legal rights in this matter and if so what should I do next. How do I find a lawyer to represent me in this matter?

  • Category: Civil Actions
  • Subcategory: Defamation
  • Date:
  • State: New York

Answer:

Your legal rights in this situation depend on various factors, including whether the statements made about you are true. Defamation involves communication that harms someone's reputation, which can be either libel (written) or slander (spoken). To prove defamation, you generally must show that the defendant made a false statement about you, published it to a third party, and acted negligently. If the statements are defamatory per se, you may not need to prove actual damages. Examples include claims that affect your profession or imply criminal behavior.

Additionally, you may have a case for invasion of privacy, which occurs when someone intrudes into your personal life without just cause. This includes public disclosure of embarrassing private information. Courts assess whether the information was voluntarily offered and if it was gathered through intrusive means.

Since you did not sign a release and have explicitly denied consent, you may have grounds to pursue legal action. It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer experienced in defamation and privacy laws to discuss your options. You can find a lawyer by searching online legal directories or contacting your local bar association for referrals.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Defamation is a false statement that harms someone's reputation. It can be written (libel) or spoken (slander). If someone publishes false information about you, you may have a legal claim if it damages your reputation or career. To succeed in a defamation case, you must prove the statement was false, published to others, and made with negligence. If the statements are particularly damaging, you might not need to show actual harm. Consulting with a lawyer can help clarify your situation and potential legal options.