) the statement was false; and (5) resulting injury to the plaintiff. Kforce, Inc. v. Alden Personnel, Inc., 288 F.Supp.2d 513, 516 (S.D.N.Y. 2003); Zerr v. Johnson, 894 F. Supp. 374, 376 (D. Colo. 1995). Regarding injury, plaintiffs must prove special damages—meaning economic or financial loss—unless the defam