Summary
Posting about a past employment experience online can carry legal risks such as defamation, invasion of privacy, and potential retaliation from a former employer. Truth is often a defense, but its advisable to consult with a local attorney specializing in employment or defamation law. The California Bar Associations Lawyer Referral Service can help you find an attorney for a 30-minute consultation. Prepare your question in advance to make the most of the consultation.Full Conversation
I have question if posting a specific letter I wrote on linked would get me into potential legal repercussion
Hello ****, could you please provide more details about the content of the letter? This will help me understand if there might be any potential legal issues. Also, please mention your location as laws can vary from place to place.
This is the letter I want to post: One year ago, I made the difficult decision to resign from my position as the Manager for the activation side of the corporate partnership department at the Los Angeles Sparks. This decision had been weighing on me for months prior, and I feel compelled to share the details here.
During my time there, my direct supervisor, the VP of Partnerships, engaged in a troubling series of conversations with me. Three times, the dialogue unfolded as follows:
Supervisor: “Hey ****, are you currently on any type of medications?”
Me: “No, I'm not.”
Supervisor: “Well, it appears to me that you have an extreme chemistry problem in your brain. Many 'high functioning' individuals are on some type of medication.”
Me: “Could you please explain what you mean by ‘high functioning’?”
Supervisor: “I have to go.”
These exchanges left me feeling increasingly distressed in my interactions with my supervisor. I found myself shaking and tearing up on client calls as well as internal meetings. It took me six months after resigning to fully comprehend what had transpired and why I had reacted as I did.
I share this experience not only to tell my story but also to shed light on the importance of understanding and supporting neurodiversity. While I am not neurodivergent myself, this ordeal prompted me to seek professional insights. If I struggled with this situation without being on the Autistic Spectrum, I can only imagine the challenges faced by those who truly need assistance and empathy.
It saddens me deeply that an organization I hold in high regard, such as the LA Sparks, failed to uphold the values they claim to champion.
Thanks for sharing this, ****. Could you confirm your location? Laws regarding defamation and privacy vary by location, so this information will help me provide a more accurate response.
Los Angeles, CA
From a legal standpoint, there are a few potential risks:
*. Defamation: If false information is shared that harms someone's reputation.
*. Invasion of privacy: If private facts that aren't of public concern are revealed.
*. Retaliation: If your former employer retaliates due to the post.
Remember, truth is often a defense, but it's advisable to consult with a local attorney before posting.
How can I consult with a local attorney on just this specific question?
You can look for local attorneys specializing in employment or defamation law through the California Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. They can provide a *-minute consultation for a nominal fee. Always ensure to prepare your question beforehand to make the most of the consultation.
Thank you!
You're welcome, ****! If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Good luck with your situation.