After the local newspaper accused Town Treasurer Smith, a little$-$known town administration official, of embezzlement, the Treasurer spoke to her attorney about suing the paper. The attorney informed the Treasurer that in order to succeed in court, she would have to prove that the newspaper acted with actual malice. This is because $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.$

Group of answer choices

allegations of corruption are protected speech

the Treasurer is a public official

newspapers are exempt from lawsuits

the Treasurer is a public figure