Is it Libelous?

Is it libelous?
Why or why not?

1. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
This is not libelous because Johnson is deceased. However, if he were alive, thief and pimp charges could possibly pose a threat if the reporter could not prove their truth; even though it was a quote. The accusation could be harmful to Johnson if he were alive.


2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
This is potentially libelous unless Weekly News can prove it. Even if Megan Fox is a public figure, she may be able to prove actual malice.


3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
Again, even though it is a quote, the charges could be very damaging to Kevin. This is potentially libelous if Kevin was not convicted of these crimes.