A Houston news station reported on a city controller's potential conflict of interest involving a Y2K subcontract awarded to his former campaign treasurer. The controller and his associate sued for defamation. The court ruled in favor of the media defendants, finding their statements were substantially true or protected opinion. This case establishes that truthful reporting about public officials' conduct—even if damaging—cannot result in successful defamation claims.
Truth is an absolute defense to defamation claims. If your statements about someone's conduct are substantially accurate, you cannot be held liable for libel even if the statements are harmful.