The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

The Risks and Realities of a 100% Denial Strategy


Listen Later

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

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  

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://mollymcpherson.substack.com/
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson
  • https://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/
  • ...
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPhersonBy www.mollymcpherson.com

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

210 ratings


More shows like The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

View all
Tom & Lorenzo’s Pop Style Opinionfest by Tom Lorenzo

Tom & Lorenzo’s Pop Style Opinionfest

755 Listeners

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard by Armchair Umbrella

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

69,636 Listeners

Be There in Five by Kate Kennedy

Be There in Five

7,215 Listeners

Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper

Call Her Daddy

166,260 Listeners

Pop Apologists by PodcastOne

Pop Apologists

3,311 Listeners

Good Noticings by Vox Media Podcast Network

Good Noticings

6,488 Listeners

Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast by Chelsea Devantez

Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast

2,246 Listeners

Beyond The Blinds by Cloud10

Beyond The Blinds

3,408 Listeners

FluentlyForward by CAKE MEDIA

FluentlyForward

2,224 Listeners

Deux U by Deuxmoi & Audacy

Deux U

2,110 Listeners

I've Had It by Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan

I've Had It

18,275 Listeners

Fixing Famous People with Chris DeRosa & Dominick Pupa by Chris DeRosa & Dominick Pupa

Fixing Famous People with Chris DeRosa & Dominick Pupa

602 Listeners

What's Your Issue? by Cloud10

What's Your Issue?

250 Listeners

Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky by Wondery

Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

1,361 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

12,538 Listeners