The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson The Risks and Realities of a 100% Denial Strategy
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, we take a deep dive into the high-stakes PR strategy of a "100% Denial." This approach has long been used by celebrities, politicians, and public figures when facing serious accusations. But is it still a smart move in today’s social media-driven world?
We explore multiple examples of how this strategy plays out and examine why some public figures—like Garth Brooks, Lizzo, Prince Andrew, and Lance Armstrong—chose the denial route. Is it a legal necessity, or does it invite more trouble down the line? Breaking down why total denial can create significant risks, especially in an age where accountability is amplified through the media and social platforms.
From legal consequences to reputational fallout, this episode highlights how a denial strategy can quickly backfire without care and empathy.
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Garth Brooks' legal team’s denial strategy against sexual assault allegations
- Lizzo's PR crisis over harassment and abuse claims by former dancers
- Prince Andrew’s disastrous 2019 BBC interview about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein
- Lance Armstrong’s decade-long denial of using performance-enhancing drugs
- The risks of aligning solely with legal strategies in public crises
If you work in strategy or communication, join Molly on December 17 at 12 PM ET for a 60-minute live media training that breaks down a crisis in real time. RFK Jr is being hit from two sides at once. Now Olivia Nuzzi’s memoir is out, weeks after Tatiana Schlossberg’s essay landed a punch. We'll walk through the headlines, the data, the sentiment, press coverage, then map out what a competent response would actually look like. Click here to attend.
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