Question 1

False allegations have been made about me, how can I protect my reputation?

Accepted Answer

As a high-profile individual, your reputation is priceless. If allegations about you have been published in print or online and have caused or are likely to cause serious harm to your reputation, we can help. Reputation-damaging allegations can affect your private and public life; the most serious allegations, for example those of a sexual nature, can have a devastating impact on all areas of your life. Whatever the situation, our team can provide specialist advice to protect and defend your reputation.

Question 2

What can I do if I am being blackmailed or extorted?

Accepted Answer

High-profile and high-net-worth individuals are common targets for blackmail and extortion and such attempts can be highly distressing. A former sexual or romantic partner may be threatening to publish or post intimate photographs of you; or you may have received threats from a disgruntled employee to leak confidential business information unless you pay them money. Our team provide expert advice on the practical and legal steps you can take to deal with the situation quickly and discreetly. When necessary, we work alongside our in-house criminal law experts, headed by Robert Conway, to provide comprehensive advice on both the reputation and criminal aspects of your case.

Question 3

What can I do if the media has published defamatory content about me?

Accepted Answer

As a high-profile individual, media attention will not be alien to you. Anyone in the spotlight knows that a reputation takes years to build, but only seconds to destroy. We regularly engage with publishers, ranging from established publications to social media personalities and even companies, to seek the removal of defamatory allegations, and the correction and rectification of inaccurate data. Our lawyers have specific experience handling cases of Twitter libel (Twibel) and other aspects of social media law. To create a seamless and effective strategy that addresses the issue on all fronts, we can work alongside your PR representatives to ensure comprehensive protection and consistent messaging.

Question 4

I am the victim of a harassment campaign involving defamatory allegations online, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are a high-profile or high-net-worth individual, defamation can pose a serious threat to your personal and professional life. When the stakes are so high, it is vital that the issue is handled correctly. Even when defamatory allegations emanate from an anonymous individual or online account, there are actions that can be taken to protect your reputation. We regularly instruct private investigators and cyber experts who can work to uncover the identity of an anonymous attacker. There are also legal options available for uncovering the identity of anonymous online users. In some circumstances it is possible to obtain an order from the Court requiring that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or website host disclose the identity of the anonymous user.

Question 5

What can I do if I have an issue relating to financial due diligence?

Accepted Answer

Negative or inaccurate results in financial due diligence can have a devastating impact on the ability of individuals andor families to do business and operate freely. If you believe that a compliance database holds inaccurate or out of date information about you there are steps you can take. Defamation and data protection laws apply to compliance database companies and can be utilised to good effect to challenge such content.

Question 6

What can I do if the media has published defamatory content about our business andor our executives?

Accepted Answer

A companys reputation is its most valuable asset. For successful brands and companies, damaging allegations can cause serious damage to public and financial standing. We regularly engage with publishers, ranging from established publications through to social media channels and even other companies, to seek the removal of defamatory allegations, and the correction and rectification of inaccurate data. Our lawyers have specific experience handling cases of Twitter libel (Twibel) and other aspects of social media law.

Question 7

We are concerned about ex-employees leaking confidential information, what can we do?

Accepted Answer

Bad leavers can present a real threat to a companys reputation if they have access to confidential information that they could leak, or material for blackmail. Nevertheless, it is possible to take legal action to avoid potential fallout. Information leaks can fall within the remit of data protection law and the law of confidence. You can also protect yourself by enforcing existing contractual terms by, for example, securing emergency injunctions.

Question 8

We are the victim of a smear campaign, what can we do?

Accepted Answer

Smear campaigns can have a devastating effect on the reputation and finances of successful companies and their executives. Defamation and conspiracy laws exist to protect businesses from such damaging accusations. We can create a bespoke strategy to handle co-ordinated attacks on your businesss reputation, collaborating with your existing legal, financial and PR team to manage the issue on all fronts. We regularly engage with publishers, including national press and social media, to seek removal of defamatory allegations, and correction and rectification of inaccurate data. We can also help you uncover evidence as to who is behind the campaign.

Question 9

False allegations have been made against my client, how can I protect their reputation?

Accepted Answer

Threats to your clients reputation can have a dramatic impact on their private or professional lives. Some allegations, such as those of a sexual nature, can impact all areas of their lives. We understand that your clients reputation is priceless. If allegations have been published about them in print or online and are causing serious harm to their reputation, we can help. Our team understands the specific concerns of high-profile figures when it comes to reputational matters, and can provide specialist legal advice to protect and defend both their reputation and privacy.

Question 10

What to do if my client is being blackmailed or extorted?

Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon for high-profile individuals to be targets of blackmail and extortion, and such attempts can be highly distressing. A former sexual or romantic partner may be threatening to publish or post intimate photographs of your client; or they may have received threats from a disgruntled employee to leak confidential business information unless they pay money. Blackmail is a criminal offence, so it is important to seek advice on the practical and legal steps that can be taken. When appropriate, our reputation and privacy lawyers can work alongside our in-house criminal law team, to provide comprehensive legal strategy.

Question 11

What can I do if the media has published defamatory content about my client?

Accepted Answer

As advisers to high-profile individuals, we know that while a reputation takes years to build, it can be destroyed in seconds. We regularly engage with publishers, ranging from established publications to social media personalities and even companies, to seek the removal of defamatory allegations, and correction and rectification of inaccurate data. Our lawyers have specific experience handling cases of Twitter libel (Twibel) and other aspects of social media law. We work with you and your client to develop a seamless and effective strategy that addresses the issue on all fronts, ensuring comprehensive protection and consistent messaging.

Question 12

What should I do if my client is the victim of a harassment campaign, involving defamatory allegations online?

Accepted Answer

Defamation can pose a serious threat to the personal and professional life of high-profile individuals. Online, these allegations can spread quickly and are difficult to get under control. Vardags lawyers have extensive experience handling all areas of social media law and have engaged with online publishers to great success. Even when defamatory allegations emanate from an anonymous individual or online account, there are actions that can be taken to protect your reputation.

Question 13

What should I do if my client has issues relating to financial due diligence?

Accepted Answer

Negative or inaccurate results in financial due diligence can have a devastating effect on the ability of your client to do business and operate freely. If a compliance database holds inaccurate or out of date information about your client there are steps that can be taken. The laws of defamation and data protection apply to compliance database companies and can be utilised to good effect to challenge such content.

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