What other condition must public figures prove in a defamation lawsuit?

In defamation lawsuits involving public figures, these individuals must demonstrate that the statements made about them were not only false but also made with "actual malice." This term specifically means showing that the statement was made with "reckless disregard" for the truth. In other words, the public figure must prove that the defendant had significant doubt about the truth of the statement or acted with a high degree of awareness that the statement was probably false.

This higher standard is necessary because public figures, by virtue of their positions, are subject to greater scrutiny and must demonstrate that the harm caused by the defamatory statement involved a level of intent that goes beyond mere negligence, which is often required for private figures. Therefore, recklessness is a crucial element that public figures must establish to succeed in their defamation claims.