The Hidden Weapon of Defamation in the Paranormal Community

The paranormal community should be a place of exploration, collaboration, and open-minded discussion. But increasingly, it’s becoming a battleground — not of ideas, but of egos. Whether you’re an independent researcher, an equipment builder, an investigator, or simply someone who asks the wrong question, you may find yourself the target of a tactic that’s as underhanded as it is effective: defamation.

This goes far beyond casual disagreements. When someone in the community doesn’t like what you do or say, they often don’t challenge it directly or through legitimate means. Instead, they spread lies, rumours, and misinformation. Why? Because it puts the financial strain and legal burden on to you — and for them, it’s low-risk and highly effective.

Defamation: A Manipulative Strategy

In the paranormal field, reputations are everything. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or a new voice, your credibility is tied to your name. So when someone wants to undermine you — because they dislike your approach, are jealous of your following or what you do, or simply hold a personal grudge — they know a lawsuit is unlikely.

Unlike constructive criticism, defamation is a calculated act. It’s about control, damage, and power. And unfortunately, it’s becoming more common in the paranormal space, both online and offline.

You don’t have to break a law or do anything unethical. Sometimes, just expressing an opinion, questioning a method, or existing in the same niche is enough to make yourself a target. And when that happens, a few people — often with platforms of influence — will use defamation to do the dirty work.

Some creators in the paranormal world have turned their social media into weapons, using their reach to amplify personal attacks. They may disguise it as “exposing the truth,” “just asking questions,” or “protecting the community,” but the result is the same: public defamation, veiled in entertainment or authority.

How the Tactic Works

This kind of defamation works because it flips the legal and financial burden onto the person being attacked:

• You must prove the statements were false.
• You must demonstrate malicious intent or reckless disregard for the truth.
• You must show how those lies caused you harm — to your mental well-being, your reputation, your income, or your business.

That’s a nearly impossible task for many many people who don’t have access to legal teams or significant financial resources. And the people who engage in defamation? They count on this! They know it’s unlikely they’ll be challenged legally, and that by the time anyone does, the damage is already done.

The Consequences Are Real

Whether it starts in a comment section, a livestream, a Facebook group, or whispered in private messages, the fallout is serious:

• Creators lose credibility based on lies.
• Investigators are shunned or excluded from events.
• Collaborations are cancelled.
• Innocent people are isolated or harassed.

And when it comes from someone with a large audience, the effect multiplies. Entire followings can be turned against someone over completely unfounded claims.

What Can Be Done?

While legal routes are often inaccessible, there are practical steps to protect yourself and push back:

• Document everything: Save screenshots, messages, and videos. This may be essential if you ever do pursue legal action or need to defend yourself publicly.
• Stay professional: Don’t get dragged into mudslinging. The people who matter will notice your consistency and integrity.
• Speak the truth, clearly and calmly: Publicly addressing misinformation — when done right — can be powerful.
• Lean on community support: Not everyone is part of the drama. Many in the paranormal world are tired of the infighting and willing to stand with those who are being treated unfairly.
• Call out the behavior: If you witness someone being targeted unfairly, say something. Remaining silent only empowers the bullies.

Final Thoughts

Defamation in the paranormal community isn’t just a byproduct of personality clashes — it’s a deliberate tactic used to control narratives, punish dissent, and damage reputations. And while it’s especially potent when used by creators with large platforms like YouTube, it can come from anywhere.

We don’t need to agree on everything. Debate and critique are healthy. But when those disagreements turn into targeted attacks built on lies, we all lose. This community is strongest when it values truth, curiosity, and respect — not when it tears its own people down for views or validation.

If you’ve been targeted by defamation, know this: you are not alone, and the people who rely on lies eventually reveal themselves. Keep your head high and your work honest. That’s the kind of legacy no one can destroy.