Reference no: EM133241510

Nellie is a 24-year-old waitress at Pete's Diner. She was in her primary care doctor's office for an HPV vaccine, and several regulars from the diner were also there for appointments. When it was Nellie's turn to be seen, the medical assistant said to Nellie as she escorted her to the treatment room,

"You're here for the HIV injection, right?" Two of Nellie's regular customers were walking to the front desk and overheard the medical assistant's comments. Nellie corrected the medical assistant, but by that time they were in the treatment room. When Nellie was finished at the doctor's office, she went to work, where she was greeted by Pete, who told her she was fired. He had heard about the HIV comment from customers and could not afford to lose business because his regular customers were upset.

1. Decide which type of character defamation was portrayed in this scenario.

2. Consider the defenses that might be used on behalf of the medical assistant. Provide an opinion on whether any or all of the defenses will absolve the medical assistant of liability and support your position.