What type of statements can lead to claims of defamation?

Defamation refers to making false statements that harm someone's reputation. It can occur through both written and spoken forms of communication, thus encompassing a broader range of potential claims. This means that if someone makes a false statement about another person, whether in a written format (such as in a newspaper article or online post) or spoken (such as in conversation or speech), it can potentially qualify as defamation.

Written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, known as slander, both present avenues for individuals to seek legal recourse if their reputation is unjustly damaged. The key factor here is the nature of the statement; it must be proven to be false, damaging, and made without a reasonable basis for belief in its truth, regardless of the format.

The other options do not capture the full scope of what can be considered defamatory. Limiting it to only written statements or only statements made publicly does not account for the various contexts in which defamation can occur. Similarly, suggesting that only formal settings lead to defamation overlooks the fact that harmful statements can emerge in everyday conversations or informal settings as well.