What is a public figure?

• In United States law, public figure is a term applied in the context of defamation actions (libel and slander) as well as invasion of privacy.

• A famous person whose life and behavior are the focus of intense public interest and scrutiny.

Who is a public figure?

• a public figure, either a public official or any other person pervasively involved in public affairs

• A fairly high threshold of public activity is necessary to elevate people to public figure status

• A person can become an "involuntary public figure" as the result of publicity, even though that person did not want or invite the public attention. For example, people accused of high profile crimes may be unable to pursue actions for defamation even after their innocence is established...

But…

A public figure (such as a politician, celebrity, or business leader) cannot base a lawsuit on incorrect harmful statements unless there is proof that the writer or publisher acted with actual malice (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth).[1] The burden of proof in defamation actions is higher in the case of a public figure.

What is a public figure?

• Is Lebron James? • President Obama?• Comedian?• Examples of private figures:– Church priest– Grocery store manager– You and me – considering we don’t hold a public

office or put selves in public eye

What is defamation?

• Making harmful comments that damage someone’s image

• Malice– Intention to harm

• Negligence– Failure to handle with care

Public figure

VS

Private individual

Difference in what reporter has to prove.