Sorry that I was absent for a week…I took a little breather from blogging, but I’m back with a vengeance.  While I was away did you get a chance to read Jeffrey Zaslow’s article in Wall St. Journal “Keeping Your Foot Away From Your Mouth.”

Sometimes Sorry Doesn't Clear Your Name (credit: imey0106)

This article reminded me of the importance of being prepared for when the time comes when your client (or executive) or even you may say something that the press may construe as being offensive.  And then in a matter of moments you are on the defensive.  These are the days that that you dread as a PR pro.

Every day we can find examples where people have publicly put their proverbial foot in their mouth.  Look at these diddies from this week alone.

First case in point – former USC Mike Garrett - When he learned about the sanctions imposed on that institution by the NCAA for recruiting violations  he told a gathering the following according to the Los Angeles Times.  “As I read the decision by the NCAA, I read between the lines and there was nothing but a lot of envy. They wish they all were Trojans.” Later he added, “Today I got a purpose for really wanting to dominate for another 10 years.”

These comments did not help secure his longevity as you can imagine and last Monday he replaced by Pat Haden.

Foot in mouth syndrome 2 – The premature firing of Federal employee Shirley Sherrod of the USDA.  For those of you following this case, some of her comments at a past speaking engagement were taken out of context and presented on the web. These comments were not positive and reflected upon her poorly.  As a result, the Agriculture department did not check the facts and thus, hastily fired her, when she actually was innocent in the incident. Whoopsy!  What was the result?  The Obama administration had to issue a public apology which in turn caused them much embarrassment. By observing The President over the last two years, I’m sure he was not happy about this incident and how it tarnished his efforts.  You can read more about the story here.

Celebrity Character killers – As a publicist there’s only so much we can do. Anyone who advises a client who has blatantly said or done something that cannot be excused by entering rehab or civic duty — is something that they have to live with.  I am a firm believer in truth and not in cover up.  And I have no problem in advising clients to be remorseful if that is how they feel if they acted poorly. And telling them that they are accountable for their actions.

Actions by celebrities are easily captured now through such outlets as TMZ, Perez Hilton, US, People, etc. These outlets are the prowl of the latest celebrity dish and it’s not that hard to find at times. All they need to do is watch a star’s twitter account these days.  So when a talent twitters something that sullies their reputation-there’s  not much a publicist can do.  What defense do we have?  Do we think this line works — excusing them for their actions because they were inebriated when they wrote it and it wasn’t their intention? The first time this excuse may work, but after that, their credibility get shot.

We all must be accountable for our actions.  Tiger Woods is experiencing this and is careful about his reputation now. He knows he is being watched by the public.  Kobe Bryant had to overcome a situation a few years ago and has kept out of the headlines with scandal.  Laying low does help people forget past issues.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words (credit: Getty images)

But, for those like Mel Gibson and Lindsay Lohan it is a different story.  For Mel, if those tapes are proven to be his voice, he needs to go get some help and then enter back into the limelight when he has changed his ways. And for Lindsay and the fact that she painted that profanity on her fingernail. She did that. No one else can take the blame. How can you defend that action as a publicist other than to say…that it was a cry for help?

With anyone now having the ability to broadcast and share their words through social media, we must be mindful of our words.  We all are held responsible for our actions and accusations. We all must filter our thoughts, actions and deeds online for you are accountable.  And at the end of the day, there’s only so much you can clean up. Yes, people can forgive others, but they also never forget.

Just today the facts came out about Facebook. Over 500 million humans have accounts across the globe. That breaks down to one-out-of-seven people who are using it.  And that fact makes me shudder. It scares me to think about how many of those users are unaware of the power behind words and the damage that can result by misinformation.  If you don’t think it can happen to you, just look at Ms. Sherrod.  Her comments were edited unbeknownst to her.  The same thing could happen to any of us. We need to be smart online.

In summary, be mindful of all that you say, do, write and text.

But, if you do find yourself in a spot of trouble…I’m just an email away.

Cindy