public figure

n.1. A famous person whose life and behavior are the focus of intense public interest and scrutiny.2. Law A person who is determined to be sufficiently well-known or famous as to prevail in a lawsuit for libel or slander only when the defendant is shown to have acted with malice.

Thesaurus

Noun

public figure - a well-known or notable person; "they studied all the great names in the history of France"; "she is an important figure in modern music"name, figureimportant person, influential person, personage - a person whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events

Public Figure

A description applied in Libel and Slander actions, as well as in those alleging invasion of privacy, to anyone who has gained prominence in the community as a result of his or her name or exploits, whether willingly or unwillingly.

If a plaintiff in a libel or slander action qualifies as a public figure, he or she must show that the libelous or slanderous conduct of the defendant was motivated out of actual malice as required in the case of new york times co. v. sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 84 S.Ct. 710, 11 L.Ed.2d 686 (1964).

public figure

n. in the law of defamation (libel and slander), a personage of great public interest or familiarity like a government official, politician, celebrity, business leader, movie star, or sports hero. Incorrect harmful statements published about a public figure cannot be the basis of a lawsuit for defamation unless there is proof that the writer or publisher intentionally defamed the person with malice (hate). (See: defamation, libel, slander)

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Synonyms for public figure

noun a well-known or notable person

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