Defamation is a statement that injures a party's reputation. You won't see a defamation action (unless it is a stunt quickly dismissed) filed by Matt Gaetz any time soon because:
1. His reputation would be a central issue in the case. Whether it be merited or unmerited (we all know it's merited), Gaetz has a horrific reputation. Successfully proving damage to his reputation would be nothing short of Houdini-esq. Discovery on that issue would be sh@its & giggles;
2. Unlike a criminal proceeding where discovery against a defendant is not allowed, in a defamation action, Gaetz would have to submit himself to days of videotaped deposition. He would either have to perjure himself or, and this is more likely, assert his 5th Amendment privilege so that his deposition testimony couldn't be used against him in a criminal proceeding.
Whenever a party to a civil action asserts the 5th, the jury thinks they a crook, regardless of what a jury instruction says about the matter.
In conclusion : Matt Gaetz ain't filin' no defamation action anytime soon.
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