A public figure ( such as a politician , celebrity , or business leader ) can not 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 ) .
A public figure ( such as a politician , celebrity , or business leader ) can not base a lawsuit on incorrect harmful statements unless there is proof that the writer or publisher acted with malice ( knowledge or reckless disregard for the truth ) .