In a split decision that closely examined what constitutes a person being considered a limited public figure for the purposes of defamation standards, a state appeals court has ruled that Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, an acclaimed music producer, is neither a general nor a limited public figure for the purposes of his defamation suit against famed singer Kesha, who has claimed Gottwald drugged and sexually assaulted her.

“A limited-purpose public figure … is an individual who has voluntarily injected himself or is drawn into a particular public controversy with a view toward influencing it,” wrote a majority Appellate Division, First Department panel in the decision.