I remember arguing in law school against the way courts have extended Sullivan.
Sullivan wasn't a "public figure". He was a "public official."
There's a big difference. The free speech protection is a protection against state action. Sullivan was, IIRC, a local government official in Montgomery, Alabama at the height of the 60s civil rights movement. Public officials, because they are backed up with the socially-legitimated use of coercion (i.e., the "police power"), have a power to chill speech and action (e.g. assembly) that ordinary people do not have.
Just because someone is famous doesn't give him or her the same power.
Unfortunately, my argument is not accepted by the courts. Rourke gets the current law pretty much correct.
Suggesting, again, that the law is an ass.
Oh, well.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)