Gray v. St. Martin's Press, Inc.
United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire
1999 WL 813909
Relevant factsFree
Gray (plaintiff), well known in Washington political and lobbying circles and the subject of a television documentary and hundreds of news articles, sued St. Martin's Press and author Trento (defendants) for defamation over a book portraying him as one of the most powerful and well-connected access-brokers in Washington; the defendants moved for summary judgment, arguing Gray was a public figure required to show actual malice.
IssueFree
Whether a general public figure is one who possesses general fame or notoriety in the community or is a well-known celebrity, whereas a limited public figure is one who thrusts himself to the forefront of a particular public controversy.