Legal Question in Personal Injury in Virginia
I am a newspaper reporter in Virginia. As a result of my reporting, a person that I write about has created a Web site calling for a boycott of my employer and making untrue, defamatory statements about me and my reporting (which is accurate and balanced, thank you). This person has created similar defamatory sites for public officials in the area. My company has had the page about me taken down, but it is continually re-posted.
I am wondering whether I fall under a category of public figure as a result of my job, or if I am a private citizen. Outside of work, I'm not involved in the community or outspoken about anything.
Thanks in advance for your help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Hard to say on these few facts, but one important fact having bearing on the
issue (I would think) would be how well known a reporter you're generally
considered to be.