Yes. Furthermore, libel and slander are basically not protected as free speech. In the US system at least, you can say whatever you want about someone... But i

Yes. Furthermore, libel and slander are basically not protected as free speech. In the US system at least, you can say whatever you want about someone... But if they haul you into court for damaging their reputation, you'd better bring receipts that you were speaking truth, to the best of your ability and knowledge. Not even the US right to free speech extends to spreading damaging falsehood. (ETA, clarification: I should say damaging false facts. US freedom of speech generally protects a person's right to say that in their opinion someone is an ass, etc. But make concrete claims that you hate so-and-so because they did such-and-such, and whether they did such-and-such becomes arguable in a court of law).