Can a CEO sue for defamation just because I reported his misconduct to HR?

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for reaching out!

Based on your description, reporting misconduct to HR and your direct supervisor does not typically constitute defamation, especially when done in good faith and through internal channels.

If your termination was a result of raising a legitimate concern, you may have grounds to challenge the dismissal and potentially take legal action for unfair termination or retaliation.

We recommend that you book a legal consultation with us to review the details and take the appropriate legal steps.

You may also authorize our office to represent you before the relevant authorities or courts in Abu Dhabi.

Contact us today to protect your rights.

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out and explaining your situation!

In your case, filing a complaint with HR about the CEO’s behavior does not constitute defamation, especially if the complaint is work-related and concerns your job.

Sudden termination after filing a complaint may be unlawful, and you likely have the right to challenge the dismissal with the competent authorities.

Regarding the defamation claim, it is important to understand that defamation means spreading false information intending to harm a reputation.

In your case, you merely reported facts related to work.

I recommend the following steps:

- Document all conversations and communications related to the incident.

- Consult a labor law specialist in Abu Dhabi to review your case and provide appropriate legal advice.

You can file an official complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or the relevant judicial bodies to challenge the dismissal or defend against unjustified defamation claims.

If you wish, we at Alya Alzeera Law Firm & Legal Consultancy are ready to assist you with legal representation and protecting your rights.

Best regards,

Alya Alzeera

Lawyer & Legal Consultant

Licensed in the UAE and Bahrain

No, it is not defamation if:

- You raised a complaint internally within the company (HR or manager), and

- You did not publicly insult, publish false info, or make false accusations with bad intent.

Internal complaints made in good faith are protected and not criminal defamation under the UAE Penal Code

Defamation in the UAE is only valid if the statement is false and made publicly or with malicious intent.

If you’d like help filing the complaint, drafting your MOHRE submission, or handling court procedures, share your WhatsApp number, and a legal consultant from our office can assist you confidentially.

Dear questioner,

UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022) protects employees from arbitrary or unfair dismissal.

An employer can only terminate an employee for a "valid reason" related to the employee's performance, conduct (as per Article 44), or operational needs.

Being terminated immediately after filing a complaint with HR, especially when the CEO was blaming you for something outside your control, strongly suggests an arbitrary dismissal.

Dismissal for reporting an issue to HR (which is your right) is generally considered unfair. File a complaint with MOHRE, and in case they are pursuing defamation, then defend it on the basis that this is a complaint against the CEO and is not defamation.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of what happened!

From what you’ve explained, it appears you acted in good faith by informing HR about an incident involving unfair treatment.

Reporting workplace misconduct or defending yourself against false accusations does not amount to defamation, especially when the report was made internally to the appropriate people within the company structure.

If your termination was a direct response to filing a complaint with HR, it may constitute wrongful dismissal or retaliation, which is not allowed under the UAE Labour Law.

You have every right to challenge this termination before the Ministry of Human Resources and escalate it to the Labour Court if needed. You can also seek compensation for unfair dismissal and reputational damage, especially if the employer is threatening baseless legal action like defamation.

I would be happy to support you with the next steps, including preparing the complaint and representing you.

Please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp or phone so we can discuss your case in more detail and move forward strategically.

Hello,

Reporting a workplace incident to HR and your manager is part of your right and responsibility and does not usually amount to defamation.

Defamation requires false statements made publicly that harm someone’s reputation, which does not apply when you report internally.

You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for unfair termination.

If your employer pursues a defamation claim, the courts will consider whether your report meets the legal criteria, which is unlikely in your case.

I recommend consulting with us to help you challenge the termination and defend against any defamation threats. If you need assistance, I’m here to help.

Best regards,