2. Defamation Per se
Some statements are so defamatory that they are considered defamation per se; and the plaintiff does not have to prove that the statements harmed his reputation. The classic examples of defamation per se are allegations of serious sexual misconduct; allegations of serious criminal misbehavior; or allegations that a person is afflicted with a loathsome disease. The historical examples of loathsome diseases are leprosy and venereal diseases. Allegations that a person is afflicted with AIDS may well constitute a modern variation on this form of defamation per se.
When a plaintiff is able to prove defamation per se, damages are presumed, but the presumption is rebuttable.
It (usually) takes a lot more than being called a "criminal" to win a judgment for defamation per se. Insults usually don't apply.
"John is a criminal" usually gets dismissed.
"John assaulted a photographer" is another matter. If that was the judges decision, I'd have a different opinion on this case unless there's reasonable belief on the part of the publisher that this individual did that.