Which of the following is NOT a per se defamation exception?

• A. Charging P with a serious crime
• B. That tend to injure P in his trade, business or profession
• C. P has a loathsome disease
• D. A statement imputing unchasity to a woman

Answer: (D)

Per se defamation means the statement is inherently harmful enough that the plaintiff need not prove actual damages. The classic categories are statements that accuse someone of a crime, those that impute a loathsome disease, and those that tend to injure the plaintiff’s business or professional reputation. In this question’s framing, the item describing imputing unchastity to a woman is not treated as a per se exception, so it does not automatically allow presumed damages. The other options clearly fit per se: charging someone with a serious crime, asserting a loathsome disease, or harming their business or professional standing.