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 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). The
burden of proof in defamation actions is higher in the case of a public figure.