• Pofski@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    17
    arrow-down
    2
    ·
    edit-2
    21 days ago

    I understand the use of ‘allegedly’ when it is about a crime that is still under investigation. But a punch? How is that ‘allegedly’? Was it in a dark alley away from prying eyes? If you see a guys fist and a victim’s face, what more do you need?

        • sgnl@midwest.social
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          17
          arrow-down
          3
          ·
          edit-2
          21 days ago

          No they legally can’t. It’s defamation until a verdict is in. First Amendment isn’t freedom from consequences of your speech.

          • barsquid@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            9
            arrow-down
            5
            ·
            21 days ago

            It isn’t defamation unless it is actually false, and the risks are a civil lawsuit.

            • suburban_hillbilly@lemmy.ml
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              24
              ·
              21 days ago

              You all are talking past each other because you’re talking about different things. They can’t say he’s guilty until he’s convicted, because he isn’t guilty until then. They also don’t have to say he ‘allegedly’ punched someone when multiple people reported witnessing it, the other guy’s face is bloody and and there is video of him hitting the guy. Saying he’s guilty of a crime and saying he punched someone are two different claims.