For one of my last projects I completed for my MA, I had to create a mock press release. For this portion of the project, I decided to come up with a hypothetical scenario to see how an organisation could make a public statement during a crisis involving a defamation lawsuit. In an era where so much is shared on social media, press releases offer a valuable way to communicate with the public in a controlled setting, especially during a time of crisis. Below is a hypothetical press release in relation to the lawsuit mentioned in the blog post. For this, claimant Ronald Stocker works for imaginary company X & Co, and the press release takes place shortly after the announcement of the case, when comments began arising condemning the company for employing someone who was claimed to have “strangled” his former wife. The press release is an example of what could be said to prevent a crisis from arising for the company.
X & Co. Response to Defamation Lawsuit
[Buckinghamshire, 2016] – Mr Ronald Stocker, a Senior Account Executive at X & Co., has filed a defamation lawsuit against his former wife in response to comments she had made on Facebook. This lawsuit has no reflection nor impact to any persons involved with X & Co, as this is a personal matter.
At the publication of this lawsuit, there were comments that voiced concern over Mr Stockers high position of power at X & Co in relation to the allegations made by his former wife, Mrs Stocker. X & Co. would like to ensure that this lawsuit is personal and only has no relation or impact with other employees, partners or stakeholders. At the concerns voiced over social media, an investigation for internal relations has been conducted to ensure all employees at X & Co. feel safe. It is important to note that this investigation is not in response to Senior Account Executive Ronald Stocker’s private claim, but rather uses this lawsuit as a reminder that it is always good to conduct investigations periodically to ensure the wellbeing of all employees are meet.
As this lawsuit is a personal and private matter for Mr Ronald Stocker, and has no relations to X & Co, there will be no additional statements made at this time.
Thank you,
John Smith, CEO of X & Co.
Below is another example of what a press release would look like from the same company after a verdict for the lawsuit was made.
X & Co. Updated Response to Defamation Lawsuit
[Buckinghamshire, April 2019] - Mr Ronald Stocker, a Senior Account Executive at X & Co., has lost the defamation lawsuit he had filed against his former wife in response to comments she had made on Facebook. This verdict has no effect X & Co. and anyone involved.
With the announcement of the lawsuit back in 2016, a statement was released by X & Co. explaining the investigation of employees wellbeing. With the announcement of the verdict of the above mentioned case, X & Co. would like to ensure that the investigation has shown that all employees at X & Co feel safe and are happy with their employment.
Stocker is still employed at X & Co as this lawsuit had no relations or impact to his employment. X & Co would also like to reiterate that the lawsuit has no relation and no impact on the company nor the business it conducts.
As this lawsuit is a personal and private matter for Mr Ronald Stocker, and has no relations to X & Co, there will be no additional statements made at this time.
Thank you,
John Smith, CEO of X & Co.