Whether such statements are oral or written, if they cause harm to you, then you may have the right to sue the person who made those statements.
False statements made orally are called slander.
False statements made in writing are called libel.
To give rise to a claim, the false statement must be made or given to a third party—that is, someone other than you and the person making the statement.
Even if false, a statement about you is not defamatory unless it tends to hurt your reputation by
Public officers and public figures are handled differently than “regular people” and their burden of proving defamation is heavier.
Truth is an absolute defense.
If you believe you have been defamed, gather the following information and see a lawyer as soon as possible: