Rumors, defamations and unfair remarks can circulate in the virtual world, in the workplace and in the classroom. Sometimes an unfounded accusation fades quickly, while in others it spreads like wildfire. Whether you are being falsely accused in person, behind the scenes, in court or in the press, you need to stay calm and know your rights. If you are patient and get the support of people you trust, you can regain your credibility and self-confidence.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Reacting to Voices
Step 1. Keep a cool head
If a colleague, acquaintance or loved one accuses you of something you did not do, it is best to approach the matter calmly and directly. If you are being accused in person, you may want to take a deep breath before you begin. If the allegations have reached you via a written or spoken message, you can wait to respond until you have calmed down and gathered your ideas.
Step 2. Present the facts
Once you are calm, present the truth as briefly as possible. If the accusers are ready to listen to you, you will spare a lot of useless speeches. If he's not ready to listen to you yet, keep your frustration at bay.
Even if the conversation ends without the other party believing your words, don't rule out that they may believe you once they have had time to rework what you said
Step 3. Get informed
Find out where the allegations come from and why the person making them is willing to believe them. If she doesn't want to or can't reveal the source, ask her if there is anyone you could contact.
- If she refuses to help you, ask her to evaluate your unfamiliarity with the facts and what she would advise you to do in that case. Ask her explicitly: "What can you tell me?".
- Perhaps you will have to resign yourself to the fact that you will not be able to reconstruct the facts. Let the rumors fade away instead of circulating them again with your investigations.
Step 4. Get help
Let friends or colleagues you trust know that you are concerned about the rumors about you and invite them to speak out in your favor. By relying on a good support network, you probably won't need to defend yourself.
If you know the accusation is based on unfounded guesswork or misunderstanding, rather than a malicious gesture, ask the person making it to defend you and help you stop the gossip
Step 5. Forgive misunderstandings
Understand that what appears to be malicious behavior is often a mistake or misunderstanding. Avoid getting angry or revenge. You can be judged more severely on the way you behave when under pressure than on gossip.
Avoid reciprocating with false accusations - they could compromise your reputation as a sincere and trustworthy person
Step 6. Retrieve your reports
False accusations can generate a persistent sense of injustice or break a relationship. Talk to family and friends honestly and without judgment, and seek counseling from a psychologist if an almost irreparable disagreement has arisen. Take the initiative by inviting someone you haven't seen in a long time for coffee.
If you want to make other acquaintances, a new passion could bring new friends into your life. Volunteer, take a class, or join an association to make friends with people who share your interests
Step 7. Take care of yourself
Self-confidence can take a hit when you are wrongfully accused. Remember all the facts because self-esteem is based on a great sense of reality. The secret lies in taking care of yourself: physical activity and a balanced diet. Make your home beautiful and comfortable, and dress to feel comfortable.
By repeating a few phrases like "Others care about me" or "I am proud of my achievements", you can recover from the pain caused by a false accusation
Part 2 of 3: Responding to a Workplace Investigation
Step 1. Collaborate
If you are being investigated in the workplace, remember that the person in charge, whether by the company or, in some cases, by the law, is fully qualified to investigate what you are accused of. If you help her, the risk of fueling accusations related to your person decreases.
Step 2. Report the facts
Tell the investigator what happened (or didn't happen). If you have overwhelming evidence, bring it to his attention.
Step 3. Ask questions
Find out about everything you can. Eliminate any doubts regarding the investigation phase and any changes you should make in the course of your job. Ask how you will be notified when the investigation is complete, who will notify you, and when the matter is likely to be resolved.
- If you can't access some information, ask for clarification on certain aspects.
- Ask for the name and contact information of the person conducting the investigation.
- Finally, ask who you can discuss the investigation with.
Step 4. Know your rights
If a false accusation is not dropped, you must challenge it. It may not have repercussions, but you should be prepared in the event that you are denied a promotion, suspended or fired. Keep calm and be direct with your supervisor and anyone else who is authorized to discuss the case with you.
- Know that the law does not protect you from being fired for false or unproven charges. Unless you have signed a contract that provides for a minimum duration of the employment relationship, you will most likely be subject to the "will" of the employer and, therefore, risk being fired for any reason.
- If your employment contract guarantees that you can only be fired if you have committed a crime or believe you are being discriminated against, you can file a lawsuit for wrongful dismissal.
Part 3 of 3: Responding to a Public Prosecution
Step 1. Know your rights
False accusations spread online, on paper, on television, on the radio or simply uttered are defined as "defamation", while when someone blames another who they know is innocent through an accusation formally made in front of public officials it is called "slander". Consult a lawyer if you can afford it: In some circumstances, you can file a libel suit against the person who falsely accuses you.
Not all false accusations are considered defamatory. If you are not fully identified in the indictment, if you are already being investigated, if you have made statements supporting false claims, if you are a public figure, or if the person defaming you is a former employer or other person which enjoys some protection, yours is not necessarily a case of defamation
Step 2. Make your version of events known
If you don't risk doing yourself harm by publicly providing another version of the story, you can put an end to the gossip or turn the situation in your favor. Contact a reporter and editors who are following your story and ask them to drop the false allegations or publish your denial.
If you have been charged with a crime, consult a lawyer before making official statements
Step 3. Let the voices die
The less you talk, the better. Once you have consulted a lawyer or, in less serious cases, have made a public statement, you will have done everything in your power. If you continue to respond to any slander related to the case, you risk re-energizing the story.
Step 4. Post positive information
Once the whole story has lost its bite, search the Internet for your name to see what you find. If the false accusations still appear among the first results, try to build a more positive image. Write some articles or make videos that have no connection with the whole story. Open a website dedicated to your passions or update your professional profiles.
