Download the Indestructible PR® Response Framework and kickstart your effective crisis response planning
Work With Molly
1:1 PR Consulting Speaker Requests Molly's Patreon Community
About Contact Podcast
Get Immediate PR Crisis Help

Ep. 282 - Scandal Season:  

Why September Sparks Media, Celebrity, And

Political Firestorms (A Deep Dive Into Mayor Eric Adams)

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson pulls back the curtain on the PR moves driving today's biggest stories. Join Molly each week as she decodes the strategy behind the headlines, revealing the hidden tactics at play. With her insider perspective, you’ll learn why these PR moves matter, who’s calling the shots, and whether they’re a success or a crash-and-burn moment. Expect sharp insights, straight talk, and an insider look at what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Summary 

 

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love digging into the strategies behind the headlines.

New Episodes Every Wednesday!

Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions!

 

Molly McPherson

Host

 

Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:

Â