Which of the following is an example of a defamatory act?

A false statement about a person committing a crime constitutes defamation because it involves making an untrue assertion that can harm an individual's reputation. Defamation requires the presence of a false statement that is presented as a fact, which can lead to reputational damage or emotional distress for the affected individual. In this case, stating that someone has committed a crime when they have not can significantly impact how others perceive that individual, potentially leading to loss of employment, social standing, or personal relationships.

The other options do not meet the criteria for defamation. For instance, a public statement of opinion about a person's work ethic does not qualify as defamatory because opinions, even if negative, are not considered factual statements and therefore do not carry the same legal weight. Similarly, expressing a negative review is typically protected as free speech, especially in commercial contexts, as it reflects personal opinion rather than a factual assertion. Lastly, a compliment that is misconstrued does not constitute defamation; rather, it suggests a misunderstanding and does not involve a harmful, false statement.