Can a company sue me for leaving a bad review?
Maybe you’ve seen or even written reviews like these:
“Terrible service and a waste of money. Never recommend this place to anyone.”
“The doctor misdiagnosed my cat, caused unnecessary suffering, and still charged me a huge bill. Worst vet ever.”
“The food was stale, overpriced, and gave me food poisoning. This restaurant should be shut down.”
We’re so used to leaving reviews these days — on Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor — that many of us don’t think twice before hitting “post.” A quick scroll through Google reviews, Facebook pages, or online forums will show plenty of frustrated customers speaking their minds.
Recently, there was news about a young lady in Malaysia who was sued by a vet business after leaving a negative review online. But here’s the question: can you actually be sued for leaving a bad review?
Can a company really sue me?
Yes, a company can sue for defamation — but it doesn’t mean they will automatically win. To succeed in court, the company must prove three things:
The words are defamatory – meaning they harm the company’s reputation.
The words refer to the company – it must be clear the review is about that specific company.
The words were published – for example, posted online where others can read it.
How much can the company claim?
If a defamation is made up, the company may be awarded damages. The amount depends on many factors, including the company’s reputation in the society, the seriousness of the comment, how widely it was published online, whether the reviewer apologised or retracted the statement, and whether there was malice or bad intention behind the review.
What defences do you have?
If you are sued, the law provides some possible defences. In cases like this, the usual defences are:
Justification – If what you said is true and you can prove it, then it’s not defamation. For example, if you claim the restaurant served raw chicken and you have evidence (like photos or medical reports), that’s justification.
Fair comment – You’re allowed to give your honest opinion on matters of public interest, as long as it’s based on facts and is fair-minded. For example, saying “I didn’t like the food, it was too salty” is an opinion. However, calling the chef a “scammer” without proof might cross the line.
Conclusion
Online reviews are now part of everyday life. They help customers make choices and keep businesses accountable. But when words go too far, they can also create legal problems.
For reviewers, remember that your freedom of speech comes with responsibility — keep your comments factual and fair. For companies, think carefully before suing — sometimes an open conversation or addressing the complaint professionally may protect your reputation better than a lawsuit.
At the end of the day, whether you are a reviewer facing a legal threat or a business considering action, the wisest step is to consult a lawyer to understand your rights and options before taking the next move.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
