282: Scandal Season: Why September Sparks Media, Celebrity, and Political Firestorms

September marks the beginning of scandal season, when politicians, celebrities, and the media heat up with controversy. In this episode, we break down the crisis communication tactics used by high-profile figures, focusing on New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his response to federal charges of bribery and fraud.
We take a closer look at Adams’ video statement and compare it to strategies used by former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as he faced sexual harassment allegations. The language, optics, and emotional appeals in these public appearances reveal a shared crisis playbook: denial, deflection, and controlling the narrative through video.
Mentioned in this episode:
• Breakdown of Eric Adams’ video response
• Bill Clinton’s 11-word denial
• Andrew Cuomo’s blend of denial and emotional appeal
• Strategic timing of scandals in September and October
Whether you’re a PR professional or just fascinated by how public figures manage high-stakes scandals, this episode is packed with essential lessons in crisis management. Tune in to learn how these politicians use crisis communication to shape their public image-and their legacy.
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