"Libel applies when you are making false, damaging statements about someone in a way intended to cause damage in some form." Actually, in the US, it doesn't ha

"Libel applies when you are making false, damaging statements about someone in a way intended to cause damage in some form." Actually, in the US, it doesn't have to intend to cause damage to be libel (it does have to damage reputation), unless it is a public figure of some sort (in which case it requires what is known as "New York Times malice"). If you libel'd a private figure, negligently, you'd likely still be liable, though damages would likely be limited to actual harm.