Casey Anthony Faces 'Nanny' Defamation Lawsuit

It's more legal trouble for Casey Anthony as a nanny lawsuit for defamation, filed by Zenaida Fernandez-Gonzalez, is back underway.

Anthony had told investigators and family members that a woman with the same name, Zenaida Gonzalez, had kidnapped her daughter.

Police officers had questioned Fernandez-Gonzalez about the incident, but later it was revealed that the babysitter that Anthony had referred to as "Zanny" did not really exist, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Anthony maintains that the Zenaida Gonzalez she had discussed with the police was a different Zenaida Gonzalez. The other Zenaida Gonzalez drove a different car and had less children according to Anthony, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Will Fernandez-Gonzalez be able to prevail on her claims on defamation?

Maybe, but it depends on if she is able to prove some facts. The first of which would be whether or not Casey Anthony was really referring to Fernandez-Gonzalez. Anthony maintains that she was talking about another Zenaida Gonzalez. If this is proven to be true, then Fernandez-Gonzalez will likely have a difficult time prevailing in the case.

Another element of a defamation case is that the defamed individual must have suffered harm. Fernandez-Gonzalez may have alleged that she was ostracized and had difficulty finding work after Anthony's statements to family and to authorities, but Fernandez-Gonzalez will likely need to back up these claims with evidence.

Considering Anthony's general lack of credibility in the public eye, Fernandez-Gonzalez may have a tough time proving that she was damaged by Anthony's statement, said Jonathan Kasen, an attorney who previously represented Anthony in the defamation suit before it was put on hold, to MSNBC.

Zenaida Fernandez-Gonzalez's Casey Anthony lawsuit will proceed on July 19th, as she has subpoenaed Anthony to give a deposition that morning, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Related Resources:

• "Nanny" defamation case resumes against Casey Anthony (Reuters)
• Defamation Law: The Basics (FindLaw)
• 'Caylee's Law' Proposed in FL, NY, OK, WV (FindLaw Blotter)
• Casey Anthony Verdict: She's Guilty...of Lying (FindLaw Blotter)