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A parent, Sofia, organized two neighborhood meetings asking a school district to improve bus-stop lighting after several near accidents. She did not seek public office, give media interviews, or run an advocacy group. A newspaper article about the debate stated, "Sofia fabricated the safety complaints to steer a lighting contract to her brother." The statement was false. The reporter relied on a rumor from a rival contractor and did not call Sofia, the district, or her brother before publication.
Sofia suffered anxiety and lost consulting work. She seeks actual, presumed, and punitive damages. The newspaper argues that bus-stop safety is a public issue and that Sofia became a public figure by organizing meetings.
Analyze Sofia's defamation claim, including plaintiff status, fault, falsity, and damages.