Today’s topic is relevant to everyone who dares to engage in online dialogue, no matter our standing in the public eye. Using the ever-relevant example of ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s controversial tweet following the untimely passing of NFL quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, we tackle the great question: Delete or Not Delete That Tweet? 

In this episode, you’ll discover the best way to repair the damage of an insensitive tweet, as well as how to avoid such an unfortunate circumstance altogether. Tune in to hear another one of Molly’s indestructible PR tips, this time for Twitter! 

Key Points From This Episode: 

•    How an incorrect tweet can irreparably harm a reputation. 

•    The tweet that has ESPN’s Adam Schefter under scrutiny. 

•    The function of Twitter’s auto-block feature. 

•    The archival digging people tend to do following a controversial tweet. 

•    How Schefter dealt with the backlash. 

•    How to navigate the aftermath of an insensitive tweet and repair a soiled reputation. 

•    The importance of an apology. 

•    Molly’s indestructible PR tip for Twitter. 

 

Tweetables: 

 

“An incorrect tweet, whether posted on behalf of a company or on your own account can irreparably harm a reputation.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:01:36] 

 

“What often happens when someone’s in the hot bright light of a mistake of their own doing, people not only get angry but they also start to dig.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:05:38] 

 

“Nothing on Twitter has to stay on Twitter.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:09:37] 

 

“When in doubt, delete or keep it in draft for a bit, see if the story changes, wait for the mood to shift. If it still feels safe, if you have thought it out, then go ahead and tweet it. However, if you have any doubt, don’t. You’ll never regret a tweet you never sent.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:11:07] 

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Molly McPherson
Molly McPherson on Twitter

Listen + Subscribe on Stitcher or

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson
• https://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymcpherson/
  
  

© 2025 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson