Can celebrities sue when people make jokes about them publicly?

Question

Like if Jay Leno makes a joke about Paris Hilton on his show, could she sue him if she really wanted to? What does the law say regarding that?

Answer 1

In this country anybody can sue someone for ANYTHING. Winning is a different case though.

She can sue him for defamation of character but it is a lengthy process and ...  she would have to prove it.

Answer 2

I am sure they worked it all out between themselves that he is allowed to say that about her and she gets more into the public eye..even if she gets there in a notorious way.. it's not malicious gossip that can ruin a star.. if they say someone is a homosexual and he really isn't that is slander.. or if they tell a story that one of the actresses used to be an exotic dancer before and she really wasn't.. then it's slanderous to their reputation... if they make speculations or funny jokes about people.. they do that all the time.. even Hilary Rodham Clinton and the Queen have to put up with that.. that's ok.. if it's something that's just meant as a joke..  we all know the Jay Leno Show and before that the David Letterman show.. they just dished out jokes.. or sayings that weren't meant to be the truth .. just to sound funny.. under those circumstances.. I don't think they would sue and most likely Mr Leno will get in touch with the people he plans to joke about and if it's just one little jibe and they get extra money or more fame they are usually game and play along... Paris Hilton is notorious anyhow.. she probably did everything Jay Leno can imagine about her and probably did a dozen more things on top of that...  xx She happens to be lucky that she is not bad looking and to have a very rich daddy.. x*x

Answer 3

No.  If it damages her reputation and is either A) untrue  or B) a reasonable person would believe it the she can sue.