The PR Trap of July: Scandals, Silence, and the Setup for September
Jul 9, 2025
July may seem quiet, but it’s a critical time for reputation management. This month sees a rise in scandals as journalists have more time and distractions abound. Notable cases include Lizzo's lawsuit and Drew Barrymore's strike backlash, both igniting in July and flaring up by September. The podcast highlights how reduced oversight can lead to reputational risks and stresses the importance of proactive communication. It also discusses social media's role in amplifying backlash and underscores the necessity of transparency during this high-risk period.
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insights INSIGHT
July's Quiet Risk Window
July is a time of reduced newsroom staffing and lower audience attention, leading reporters to dig deeper into stories.
This creates a high-risk window for reputational damage to emerge unnoticed until fall.
insights INSIGHT
August: A Hot News Desert
August acts like a news desert but with high potential for scandals to break, particularly as fewer news stories compete for attention.
Reporters on duty are eager to find stories, making it a hotbed for reputation risks.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lizzo's August Lawsuit Example
Lizzo faced a lawsuit in August alleging harassment and discrimination, sparking huge media coverage in the fall.
This case illustrates how summer events can simmer on social media before erupting in traditional news outlets.
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This episode outlines why summer is a high-risk period for reputation management. With newsroom staffing reduced and audience attention low, deeper stories start brewing. Reporters have more time. Leadership is often distracted. That’s when reputational cracks start to widen.
The timing is rarely accidental. Many of the biggest PR crises in recent years—from Lizzo’s lawsuit to Drew Barrymore’s strike backlash—began simmering in July and erupted by September.
What’s covered:
How reduced oversight and lower engagement create space for reputational damage
The patterns behind summer stories that spiral
Case examples including Diddy, Cuomo, Barrymore, Lizzo, Fallon, Baldoni, and Lively
The role of social media in sustaining backlash
Why July is a critical window for transparency, not silence
Also featured: a breakdown of how MuckRack supports proactive monitoring and sentiment tracking.
Referenced Stories:
Sean Combs trial
Andrew Cuomo's primary upset
Lizzo legal fallout
Writers strike flashpoints
Celebrity missteps and media strategy
Key takeaway: July is not the time to disappear. For anyone managing a sensitive narrative, this is the moment to speak before being spoken about.
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This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.
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