Replies

Nope. He doesn't get elevated to the status of a public person just because he hit media notoriety as a result of the defamation. Besides, even if he were, its still actionable.

[Chancellor Papatine]:Nope. He doesn't get elevated to the status of a public person just because he hit media notoriety as a result of the defamation. Besides, even if he were, its still actionable.

[From the Article]: If the statement is made about a public official - for example, a police officer, mayor, school superintendent - or a public figure - that is a generally prominent person or a person who is actively involved in a public controversy, then it must be proven that the statement was made with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard for whether the statement was true or false.

I'd say, he is NOW a generally prominent person and he is actively involved in public controversy. Read the article.

What is most necessary to succeed in an action for libel or slander is for the plaintiff to show harm; since Schiavo's livelihood is not dependent on his personal character, Felos would be the more likely of the two to bring suit.

If you were motivated by genuine concern for members of this site by specific allegations made here that lack merit, perhaps you might wish to reference them for us?