Music Producer Is a Public Figure in High Profile Case Against Pop Star

NY Anti-SLAPP Law Applies, But Not Retroactive to Pre-Enactment Litigation

The Court held that Gottwald is a limited-purpose public figure and must show by clear and convincing evidence that Sebert acted with actual malice when she accused him of sexual assault. It also granted summary judgment to Sebert with respect to five of the allegedly defamatory statements on the ground that they fell squarely within the absolute litigation privilege but denied summary judgment as to 20 other statements.