{"id":353476,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy-false-light.html"},"modified":"2023-08-03T15:06:21","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T20:06:21","slug":"invasion-of-privacy-false-light","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy-false-light.html","title":{"rendered":"Invasion of Privacy: False Light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Invasion of Privacy: False Light<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            August 03, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>False light involves misleading depictions that create an incorrect or offensive impression of the victim. False light publicity can also be an invasion of privacy.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The right to privacy comes from common law. Common law refers to rules created by judges through case precedents. These cases have evolved the law over time through courts of appeals and even supreme court decisions in different states.<\/p>\n<p>The right to privacy focuses on a person&#8217;s right to remain outside of the public eye. It is one of the areas of common law that intersects with tort law. A tort is wrongful conduct that a civil lawsuit can address. Invasion of privacy claims are recognized as tort law causes of action, or tort claims that can be filed in court. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/defamation\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">defamation attorney<\/a> can help you navigate these lawsuits.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy.html\">Invasion of privacy claims<\/a> are divided into four types:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy--intrusion.html\">Intrusion<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy--appropriation.html\">Misappropriation<\/a>\u00a0(or appropriation)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy--public-disclosure-of-private-facts.html\">Public disclosure of private facts<\/a>, and<\/li>\n<li>False light<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>False light is publicity that unreasonably places someone in a misleading, exaggerated, or offensive manner before the public. For instance, someone might call undue attention to something deeply embarrassing \u2014 even if it&#8217;s true. These cases may overlap with defamation cases because defamatory statements can involve the same issues. Because it is similar to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/defamation-libel-slander.html\">defamation<\/a>\u00a0(reputational harm), the tort of false light is not recognized by all states.<\/p>\n<h2>Legal Definition of False Light<\/h2>\n<p>While laws often differ between the states, many jurisdictions have based their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy-laws.html\">privacy laws<\/a> on the Restatement (Second) of Torts. The restatement is a collection of general common law principles that exist across the United States.<\/p>\n<p>The restatement provides that a person who gives publicity to another may be liable for false light invasion of privacy if both of the following are true:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The false light in which the other was placed would be highly offensive to a reasonable person<\/li>\n<li>The actor had knowledge of or acted in reckless disregard as to the falsity of the publicized matter and the false light in which the other would be placed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To give &#8220;publicity&#8221; in this context is to make the matter public, or to communicate it to the public at large. This is different from &#8220;publication&#8221; in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/fault-required-for-defamation.html\">defamation actions<\/a>, which can include communication to just one individual.<\/p>\n<p>To place someone in a false light does not necessarily mean that specifically false statements were made about the individual. Instead, misleading implications that the average person would find highly offensive are often enough. Combined with these implications, the publicity would violate someone&#8217;s privacy.<\/p>\n<h3>State Laws Vary<\/h3>\n<p>As stated, not all states allow false light lawsuits. In those that do, specific requirements as to what is needed to establish a cause of action vary. States vary in their expectation of the degree of fault on the part of the defendant. For example, in some states, the defendant would be more likely to be blameworthy for having actual knowledge of a falsehood created by their publicity.<\/p>\n<h3>Public Figures and the Malice Standard<\/h3>\n<p>The law has struggled to balance First Amendment free speech rights with issues that are of public concern. Through the case\u00a0<i>Time, Inc. v. Hill,<\/i>\u00a0the United States Supreme Court placed limits on false light cases involving people in the public eye.<\/p>\n<p>If a plaintiff is a public figure, they must show that the defendant acted with actual malice before they can win. The actual malice standard is borrowed from defamation law&#8217;s deference to matters of legitimate public concern. To have actual malice, the defendant must have knowledge of the falsehood or must otherwise act with reckless disregard in publicizing it.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do False Light Claims Arise?<\/h2>\n<p>Often, false light claims are brought against media organizations. This happens when news captions or headlines next to photographs imply false things about the individuals pictured.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the estate of a 97-year-old woman\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/law.resource.org\/pub\/us\/case\/reporter\/F2\/978\/978.F2d.1065.92-1522.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prevailed on her &#8220;false light&#8221; claim<\/a>\u00a0against a tabloid. The tabloid misleadingly published her picture next to a headline about quitting work at age 101 due to pregnancy. Her photo appeared alongside a fictitious story detailing an extramarital affair that had nothing to do with the woman.<\/p>\n<h2>Not Recognized in All States<\/h2>\n<p>As noted, many states (including California, Ohio, and New Jersey) still allow false light claims. But not all states recognize it as a separate cause of action (claim). In these states, it is often perceived as overlapping with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/defamation-law-the-basics.html\">defamation<\/a> and, therefore, unnecessary. In addition, because a false light claim doesn&#8217;t have the same procedural limitations as defamation actions, it&#8217;s frequently viewed as having the potential to unacceptably restrict free speech rights.<\/p>\n<p>Major states where false light is not actionable include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>New York<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.floridasupremecourt.org\/decisions\/2008\/sc06-2491.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Texas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Is the Difference Between False Light and Defamation?<\/h2>\n<p>Generally, a false light claim is focused on the implications of a statement and the damage to a person&#8217;s feelings or emotional well-being. In contrast, a defamation claim is concerned with the statement itself and the damage to a person&#8217;s reputation. The line between the two can be unclear.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Restatement offers the following illustration to distinguish defamation and false light claims:<\/p>\n<p>The plaintiff is a war hero about whom the defendant makes a movie. The defendant adds a detailed narrative of a fictitious private life of the plaintiff, including a romance. Although the plaintiff is not defamed by the representation (their reputation is not damaged by the portrayal), they can still bring a false light invasion of privacy claim.<\/p>\n<p>In both cases, however, the plaintiff can request special damages and punitive damages.<\/p>\n<h2>Damages in a False Light Claim<\/h2>\n<p>Special damages are ascertainable (calculable) damages such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medical expenses to cure\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-for-emotional-distress-.html\">emotional distress<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Lost wages, earning capacity, and income<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Punitive damages are extra amounts awarded by courts to punish a defendant that acts egregiously. For example, a defendant that acts with actual malice may need to be deterred from future reckless behavior. A court may create an example out of such a defendant by awarding punitive damages.<\/p>\n<h2>Defenses to a False Light Claim<\/h2>\n<p>If you are the defendant in a false light claim, there are a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/defenses-to-libel-and-slander.html\">variety of defenses<\/a> that may be available to you. Depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction (state), you might argue that the published statements were parody and understood by the average reader as a joke.<\/p>\n<p>You may also defend your case on the grounds that the plaintiff was a public official and the published statements related to the performance of their public life or duties. Finally, you may contend that the published statements were made in connection with a matter of public interest.<\/p>\n<p>Truth is also always a defense to false light as long as both:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The facts contained in the publicity are true<\/li>\n<li>The impressions they create about the defendant are also true<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Again, check the law in your jurisdiction or consult with a lawyer for specifics.<\/p>\n<h2>Next Steps: Get More Legal Information<\/h2>\n<p>Do you believe you have a claim against another person for depicting you in a false light? If you want to learn more about invasion of privacy torts such as false light, your best bet is to speak with a qualified attorney. They can explain the law to you and help you file your case, should you need to go to court.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s directory can help you find an experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury<\/a>\u00a0or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/defamation\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">defamation attorney<\/a> in your area. Click on your state to get a list of local lawyers along with ratings and contact information.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that, as with all torts, there is a filing deadline in your state. This is known as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/time-limits-to-file-a-defamation-lawsuit-state-statutes-of.html\">statute of limitations<\/a>, which varies in time depending on your jurisdiction. You must file your case before its expiry, or you will be permanently barred from asserting your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n             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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div 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class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    False light claims are complex, and a lawyer can help strengthen your case\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your false light or defamation case. 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