I live in the state of Tennessee.

The potential defendants in this case would be considered “influencers” and, therefore, public figures.

These two individuals have recently taken to Facebook to accuse me of numerous things that I have nothing to do with, the worst of which is being in support of perpetrators of sexual assault and of being a p*dophile myself. I am not any of these things, I’m actually the opposite. One of the individuals has also made comments about how he wants to find me and has made references to injuries I’ve received in the past, saying things like “it’d be a shame if it happened again.” This person has claimed in the past to be a member of a gang.

I have spoken with an attorney, but they didn’t want to touch it due to the fact that neither of these individuals has any kind of assets.

My main question is, can I send a cease and desist letter that contains a clause demanding that they recant all comments in public and not utter another word about me? If they refuse, would it be advisable to take this to court myself?