public figure
A person, business, or organization that has power or influence over society.
The doctrine of public figure was first established in Curtis Publishing v. Butts by extending the concepts surrounding public officials to “public figures.” The term was then somewhat defined in Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc.
Public figures were defined as people who occupy positions of such pervasive power and influence that they are deemed public figures for all purposes,
such as Hollywood celebrities or famous athletes.
An additional category was created for limited-purpose public figures, or those people who have thrust themselves to the forefront of particular public controversies in order to influence the resolution of the issues involved.
Finally, businesses and organizations can be considered public figures if it is (1) well known by the public; (2) regulated by the government; and (3) if the business or organization is intensely scrutinized by the media.
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