Malice in the Digital Palace: A Commentary on Athletes, Social Media, and Defamation

Abstract

The purpose of this commentary is to dissect and discuss the intersection between sport, social media, and defamation claims. Specifically, this discussion is guided by one underlying question: Do social media platforms level the playing field when it comes to one’s classification and defamation claims? Various issues are presented, such as media access, an individual’s classification and the effect on burden of proof, and how one defines celebrity status in the digital age. Overall, the intention of this piece is to pose thought-provoking questions and elicit meaningful and worthwhile discussion