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A company threatens legal action over a bad review. How should I respond?

Dear concern,

We booked a photography company last month for my son's birthday party, and the service from the photographer was really disappointing.

We posted a Google review stating our disappointment. Later, the company contacted us through WhatsApp to remove the review to avoid legal cases.

We removed it, informing them that we would repost it after seeking legal advice. Could you please help me?

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KHE Legal Consultancy
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29 Jul 2024, 06:45

Hello, dear questioner,

Regarding defamation, if your negative review caused harm to the photography company, they could file a defamation lawsuit against you.

However, if the service provided by the company was not as agreed upon, you can file a lawsuit for compensation for any harm that occurred to you.

For further discussion, please share your WhatsApp number.

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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29 Jul 2024, 06:59

Dear Questioner,

I'm sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. In a situation like this, it's important to proceed carefully.

Here are some steps you might consider taking:

1. Document Everything:

Keep a record of all communications with the photography company, including messages on WhatsApp, emails, and details of the service you received. This documentation could be useful if the situation escalates.

2. Consult Legal Advice:

If you’re considering reposting your review, consult a legal professional who understands defamation and consumer rights to provide you with tailored advice on your situation and help you understand your rights regarding online reviews.

3. Consider the Review’s Content:

When you decide to repost your review, ensure that it is factual and focuses on your legitimate experience. Avoid any language that could be considered defamatory or overly emotional, as this could put you at risk legally.

4. Public Feedback:

If you repost your review, clarify that it’s based on your personal experience. You can also consider sharing your feedback on other platforms, social media, or other review sites, which may help other potential customers.

5. Be Prepared for a Response:

Understand that the company might respond, either directly to you or publicly. Be professional in your interactions, as this reflects your credibility.

6. Alternative Resolution:

If you’re open to it, you might consider reaching out to the company for a resolution if you haven’t already. Sometimes companies are willing to make amends, which could lead to a more satisfactory outcome without needing to delve into public reviews.

7. Stay Calm:

Try to remain calm and objective throughout this process. Understand that confronting the situation assertively and professionally can often lead to a better outcome for both parties.

Should you choose to post a review again, make sure it’s a reflection of your actual experience and is honest, as this often carries more weight.

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Jassim Ali Al Haddad Lawyers and Legal Consultants
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29 Jul 2024, 13:39

Hello,

If your comment on the company’s website is within the limits of decency and does not include direct abuse, then there is nothing wrong with it, but in all cases the company can sue you, and you must prove the correctness of your position.

If anything else is required, don’t hesitate to contact us via email or call our offices in Dubai or Sharjah at [-----].

Jasim Al Haddad Law Firm

Legal Counsel and Consultations

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Amiri Advocates & Legal Consultants
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29 Jul 2024, 16:01

If what you wrote initially was against the law, deleting the comment does not automatically erase the violation.

Therefore, even if the second comment complies with the law, they still have the right to file a complaint regarding the first comment.

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