Libel is a type of tort, which is a civil wrong or wrongful act. LIBEL is a false and malicious statement that is published in written form, such as in a newspaper or magazine, and that damages someone's reputation. It is a form of defamation, which is the act of making a false statement about someone that causes them harm. LIBEL is a crime in many countries and can result in legal action being taken against the person who made the statement.