Opinion ID: 71278
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: little's involvement in the controversy

Text: 11 The second prong of the analysis addresses the extent to which the plaintiffs are involved in the public controversy. Silvester, 839 F.2d at 1496. Little either (1) must purposely [try] to influence the outcome of the public controversy, or (2) could realistically have been expected, because of his position in the controversy, to have an impact on its resolution. Id. Even if Little did not voluntarily put [himself] in a position to influence the outcome of the controversy, he was caught up in the controversy against his will, [and] assume[d] a prominent position in its outcome. Id. Little's choice to assume the position of leadership at the Mobile Convention & Visitors Corporation, an organization involving public scrutiny, shows a voluntary decision to place himself in a situation where there was a likelihood of public controversy. Little was participating in activities whose success depends in large part on publicity. Brewer v. Memphis Publishing Co., 626 F.2d 1238, 1255 (5th Cir.1980). Little voluntarily accepted a taxpayer-supported job to market the $60 million convention center and attract visitors to Mobile. His hiring, performance, and firing would all be the subject of public concern and debate. Little sought out media attention at a press conference and was the subject of four newspaper articles and eight television news stories prior to the article in question. Little was intimately involved in the public controversy. Silvester, 839 F.2d at 1496.