The bride is trashing you on Google. What Texas defamation law actually allows

A one-star review can tank months of bookings. Here is what Texas law distinguishes between protected opinion, factual claims, and defamation you can sue over.

Texas defamation basics

Defamation requires:

1. A false statement of fact (not opinion).
2. Published to a third party.
3. Made with the requisite fault (negligence for private individuals).
4. Resulting in damages (business loss, reputation harm).

Key: opinion is protected. "This photographer was awful" is opinion. "This photographer stole $2,000 from us" is a factual claim — and if it is false, it is actionable.

Examples from Texas reviews

Protected opinion:

• "I would never hire her again."
• "The food was terrible."
• "The service was disappointing."

Potentially actionable factual claims:

• "She stole our deposit."
• "She violated the contract."
• "She showed up drunk."
• "She never delivered the photos."

The difference: can the statement be proven true or false with evidence?

The business-disparagement angle

Separately from defamation, Texas recognizes business disparagement — false statements about business practices that cause quantifiable financial harm. Lower burden of proof for the vendor, easier to pursue in some cases.

Practical steps before suing

1. Respond publicly, professionally, once. Reply to the review factually. Do not get emotional. Judges read responses.
2. Request removal from the platform. Google, Yelp, WeddingWire, and The Knot all have defamation policies. File through their dispute portals with your evidence.
3. Cease-and-desist letter. Most defamation claims resolve here if the reviewer is rational. Texas attorneys charge $300–800 for one.
4. SLAPP considerations. Texas has a strong anti-SLAPP law (TCPA). If the review is found to be protected speech, the vendor can be ordered to pay the reviewer''s attorney fees. Do not file lightly.

What the bride needs to know

If the review is literally true and you can document it (contract, receipts, messages), it is effectively uncatchable. Defamation requires falsity. A vendor who sues a reviewer over a truthful review will generally lose and pay their legal fees under the TCPA.

If the review contains specific factual claims that are false or exaggerated, take them out. Stick to opinion and experience. "I felt ignored" is safe. "She ignored me" is almost safe. "She lied to me" is a factual claim — have the receipts.

Sources: Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA), general Texas defamation principles. Not legal advice.