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August 28, 2006
John Mark Karr: If the DNA Doesn't Fit, You Must Acquit!
PHOTO: Karr Boulder Police Dept. Booking Photo
According to A.P., Prosecutors abruptly dropped their case Monday against John Mark Karr in the slaying of JonBenet Ramsey, saying DNA tests failed to put him at the scene despite his repeated insistence he killed the 6-year-old beauty queen.
Karr is still in custody with the Boulder County sheriff, who said Monday night California authorities had asked for him to be detained to face child pornography charges in that state.
The move came just a week and a half after the 41-year-old schoolteacher was arrested in Thailand and put on a plane to the U.S. in what was regarded as a remarkable break in the decade-old murder mystery that had cast suspicion on JonBenet's parents.
District Attorney Mary Lacy said Karr emerged as a suspect in April after he began exchanging e-mails with a Colorado professor in which he admitted responsibility for the slaying.
According to court papers, Karr told the professor he accidentally killed JonBenet during sex and that he tasted her blood after he injured her vaginally. But officials at the Denver crime lab conducted DNA tests last Friday and failed to connect Karr to the crime.
"This information is critical because ... if Mr. Karr's account of his sexual involvement with the victim were accurate, it would have been highly likely that his saliva would have been mixed with the blood in the underwear," Lacy said in court papers.
Defense attorney Seth Temin expressed outrage that Karr was even arrested.
"We're deeply distressed by the fact that they took this man and dragged him here from Bangkok, Thailand, with no forensic evidence confirming the allegations against him and no independent factors leading to a presumption he did anything wrong," Temin said.
A few comments from the Reputation Doctor regarding the latest in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case and the top 3 with reputations in crisis:
PHOTO: Boulder D.A. Mary Lacy
1. The Boulder D.A. - Mary Lacy
Mary Lacy now bumps John Mark Karr from the number one position as the biggest reputation in crisis in this case. Sure many attorneys may think she did what she had to do, but this case is played out in 2 courts (the court of law and the court of public opinion). Most people now think Mary Lacy wasted a lot of taxpayer money, should have asked authorities in Thailand and California for DNA evidence before coming to Boulder and should have told us at her first press conference that the D.A.'s office was absolutely not sure if he is the top suspect in the case and needed more time to study his evidence even after knowing about Karr since 2001. Bottom line: when you make bad decisions and also refuse to share critical information with the press and the public on a timely basis, you always reap negative consequences in the court of public opinion. Message to all attorneys: seek expert help from a seasoned crisis PR expert with a lot of litigation-support PR experience when you have a high-profile case. If not, your reputation may also be in crisis very quickly.
PHOTO: Boulder Police
2. The Boulder Police Department
The Boulder Police Department are like the old Keystone Kops in the silent movie era. I don't say this lightly because I respect competent police departments across the globe. They put their lives on the line for us every day. In fact, my older brother spent over 23 years as a police officer. But I have no tolerance for a police force that has made so many mistakes in a murder investigation of a young girl. The Boulder Police allow a child molester and killer to continue to walk the street. The Boulder Police made a mess of the crime scene on day one and continued to make big mistakes afterward because they are not experienced enough in dealing with murders and violent crimes and not humble enough to ask for much more help. They could have been honest from day one and sought more help immediately from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, even asking for more help from the Denver police department, but they did not do so. They tried to appear like they could handle a global murder case like this and as a result, they reaped the consquences of their actions in the media. The same media microscope allowed the world to see the dozens of major mistakes in this case. Bottom line: be humble and seek help immediately in areas where you lack knowledge or you may end up with a reputation in crisis like the Boulder Police Department.
PHOTO: John Ramsey a suspect again?
3. John Ramsey
First Patsy Ramsey was on the suspect list from day one because the Boulder Police thought she was such a controlling mother she may have murdered her own daughter. Then it was John Ramsey who had his head on the block as a suspect because he either did it himself or helped his wife with the murder, even if it was helping her cover it up. Then Patsy died and the attention moved to John. Then we all met a crazy man by the name of John Mark Karr and John Ramsey went to the bottom of the list or in some minds, off the list completely. Guess what? He's back! And until they catch the murderer, I believe John Ramsey's name will continue to be on the suspect list. Imagine having your reputation in crisis for 10 years and the world still not sure if he is deserving of it or not? One thing is for sure, the murderer knows what happened and many still think John Ramsey did it all himself or helped his wife cover it up. Either way, he still has a reputation in crisis in the court of public opinion. This is not the court of law, but this court, the court of public opinion, is just as important. Bottom line for John Ramsey: when there is a lack of information, the court of public opinion forms its own opinion. It ALWAYS filled the vacuum when there is a "no comment" and a refusal to share relevant information or the truth. The verdict in the court of public opinion sometimes changes day to day or minute by minute or sometimes digs in deep and takes years to change even when the truth finally surfaces. Either way, your reputation, the truth and consequences for your actions are still very relevant and make or break lives. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything!
Remember, do the right thing when your reputation is in crisis and seek the counsel of an experienced reputation management expert. It will be a major challenge, but ultimately the rewards of repairing your reputation will be great. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything! ™
About Mike Paul
Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Court TV, ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding leaders, celebrities, corporations and other organizations with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.
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August 28, 2006
John Mark Karr Freed! If the DNA Doesn't Fit, You Must Acquit!
PHOTO: Karr Boulder Police Dept. Booking Photo
According to A.P., Prosecutors abruptly dropped their case Monday against John Mark Karr in the slaying of JonBenet Ramsey, saying DNA tests failed to put him at the scene despite his repeated insistence he killed the 6-year-old beauty queen.
Karr was released from custody by the Boulder County sheriff, who said California authorities had not asked for him to be detained to face child pornography charges in that state.
The move came just a week and a half after the 41-year-old schoolteacher was arrested in Thailand and put on a plane to the U.S. in what was regarded as a remarkable break in the decade-old murder mystery that had cast suspicion on JonBenet's parents.
District Attorney Mary Lacy said Karr emerged as a suspect in April after he began exchanging e-mails with a Colorado professor in which he admitted responsibility for the slaying.
According to court papers, Karr told the professor he accidentally killed JonBenet during sex and that he tasted her blood after he injured her vaginally. But officials at the Denver crime lab conducted DNA tests last Friday and failed to connect Karr to the crime.
"This information is critical because ... if Mr. Karr's account of his sexual involvement with the victim were accurate, it would have been highly likely that his saliva would have been mixed with the blood in the underwear," Lacy said in court papers.
Defense attorney Seth Temin expressed outrage that Karr was even arrested.
"We're deeply distressed by the fact that they took this man and dragged him here from Bangkok, Thailand, with no forensic evidence confirming the allegations against him and no independent factors leading to a presumption he did anything wrong," Temin said.
A few comments from the Reputation Doctor regarding the latest in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case and the top 3 with reputations in crisis:
PHOTO: Boulder D.A. Mary Lacy
1. The Boulder D.A. - Mary Lacy
Mary Lacy now bumps John Mark Karr from the number one position as the biggest reputation in crisis in this case. Sure many attorneys may think she did what she had to do, but this case is played out in 2 courts (the court of law and the court of public opinion). Most people now think Mary Lacy wasted a lot of taxpayer money, should have asked authorities in Thailand and California for DNA evidence before coming to Boulder and should have told us at her first press conference that the D.A.'s office was absolutely not sure if he is the top suspect in the case and needed more time to study his evidence even after knowing about Karr since 2001. Bottom line: when you make bad decisions and also refuse to share critical information with the press and the public on a timely basis, you always reap negative consequences in the court of public opinion. Message to all attorneys: seek expert help from a seasoned crisis PR expert with a lot of litigation-support PR experience when you have a high-profile case. If not, your reputation may also be in crisis very quickly.
PHOTO: Boulder Police
2. The Boulder Police Department
The Boulder Police Department are like the old Keystone Kops in the silent movie era. I don't say this lightly because I respect competent police departments across the globe. They put their lives on the line for us every day. In fact, my older brother spent over 23 years as a police officer. But I have no tolerance for a police force that has made so many mistakes in a murder investigation if a young girl. The Boulder Police allow a child molester and killer to continue to walk the street. The Boulder Police made a mess of the crime scene on day one and continued to make big mistakes afterward because they are not experienced enough in dealing with murders and violent crimes and not humble enough to ask for much more help. They could have been honest from day one and sought more help immediately from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, even asking for more help from the Denver police department, but they did not do so. They tried to appear like they could handle a global murder case like this and as a result, they reaped the consquences of their actions in the media. The same media microscope allowed the world to see the dozens of major mistakes in this case. Bottom line: be humble and seek help immediately in areas where you lack knowledge or you may end up with a reputation in crisis like the Boulder Police Department.
PHOTO: John Ramsey a suspect again?
3. John Ramsey
First Patsy Ramsey was on the suspect list from day one because the Boulder Police thought she was such a controlling mother she may have murdered her own daughter. Then it was John Ramsey who had his head on the block as a suspect because he either did it himself or helped his wife with the murder, even if it was helping her cover it up. Then Patsy died and the attention moved to John. Then we all met a crazy man by the name of John Mark Karr and John Ramsey went to the bottom of the list or in some minds, off the list completely. Guess what? He's back! And until they catch the murderer, I believe John Ramsey's name will continue to be on the suspect list. Imagine having your reputation in crisis for 10 years and all still not sure if he is deserving of it or not? One thing is for sure, the murderer knows what happened and many still think John Ramsey did it all himself or helped his wife cover it up. Either way, he still has a reputation in crisis in the court of public opinion. This is not the courtroom, but this court is just as important. Bottom line for John Ramsey: when there is a lack of information, the court of public opinion forms its own opinion. The verdict in the court of public opinion sometimes changes day to day or minute by minute or sometimes digs in deep and takes years to change even when the truth finally surfaces. Either way, your reputation, the truth and consequences for your actions are still very relevant and make or break lives. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything!
Remember, do the right thing when your reputation is in crisis and seek the counsel of an experienced reputation management expert. It will be a major challenge, but ultimately the rewards of repairing your reputation will be great. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything! ™
About Mike Paul
Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Court TV, ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding leaders, celebrities, corporations and other organizations with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.
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August 17, 2006
JonBenet, the Ramsey Family, the Boulder Police, John Karr and Reputations in Crisis
PHOTO: John Karr is overwhelmed by press in Bangkok
“I was with JonBenet when she died. Her death was an accident. I am so very sorry for what happened to JonBenet. It's very important for me that everyone knows that I love her very much, that her death was unintentional, that it was an accident.”
Commented John Karr, the JonBenet Ramsey murder suspect and former elementary school teacher, at a press conference in Bangkok Thailand. He was visibly nervous and stuttered when he spoke.
According to A.P. a former schoolteacher was arrested Wednesday in Thailand in the slaying of 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey -- a surprise breakthrough in a lurid, decade-old murder mystery that had cast a cloud of suspicion over her parents.
Federal officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, identified the suspect as John Mark Karr, a 42-year-old American, and one law enforcement official told the Associated Press that Boulder police had tracked him down online.
PHOTO: Patsy and John Ramsey
The Ramsey family's attorney in Atlanta pronounced the arrest vindication for JonBenet's parents, John and Patsy Ramsey. Patsy Ramsey died of ovarian cancer on June 24.
``John and Patsy lived their lives knowing they were innocent, trying to raise a son despite the furor around them,'' attorney Lin Wood said. He said the Ramseys learned of the suspect a least a month before Patsy Ramsey's death.
Karr was a teacher who once lived in Conyers, Ga., according to Wood. The attorney said the Ramseys gave police information about Karr before he was identified as a suspect.
Wood would not say how the Ramseys knew Karr. But JonBenet was born in Atlanta in 1990, and the Ramseys lived in the Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody for several years before moving to Colorado in 1991.
An attorney for the Ramsey family said Wednesday that Karr once lived near the family in Conyers, Ga.
Wednesday's arrest was a surprise development in one of America's most lurid murder cases, which had left a cloud of suspicion over her family after years went by with no arrests. Some feared the case would never be solved.
PHOTO: JonBenet Ramsey
Striking video images of the blonde-haired girl in child beauty pageants helped propel the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States.
JonBenet was found beaten and strangled in the basement of the family's home in Boulder, Colo., on Dec. 26, 1996.
Karr was being held in Bangkok on unrelated sex charges. CBS News reported he will be brought back to the United States this weekend.
Ironically, Karr began working as a second-grade teacher in Thailand on Tuesday before he was arrested.
A few comments and questions from the Reputation Doctor regarding the recent developments in the JonBenet Ramsey case:
Finally, the Ramsey family reputation will be rehabilitated after being suspects themselves for 10 years.
This case is a prime example as to why a reputation must be defended vigorously. John Ramsey did the right thing in his first communication with the media upon the capture of John Karr in Bangkok. Ramsey said we must allow the justice system to be served and highly praised the authorities in Boulder and in Bangkok for all of their hard work and tireless dedication. He took the high road here and his reputation will be repaid for doing so. He has a reason to be upset with law enforcement and the press for the way they treated his family with 10 years of doubt of their own innocence, but he is more grateful for what is happening today. Smart man. The media is rewarding him for how he is handling the news. John Ramsey will have more to say soon, as well as others. Look for his reputation to bounce back better than ever. We love an underdog and this is a wonderful underdog story for John Ramsey personally and also vindication after death for Patsy Ramsey’s reputation too. Remember, she passed 3 lie detector tests and law enforcement, the media and the world still didn’t believe her before she died!
The Boulder Police department continues to have a reputation in crisis.
The entire Boulder police department made many big mistakes in this case and had tunnel vision focused only on John and Patsy Ramsey as alleged murder suspects of their daughter for years. Sadly, the police department will now continue to reap the consequences of their actions. Yes, they contributed to finding John Karr, but the Boulder police will not get much of the glory. They tried so mnay times to try to appear as murder investigation experts, but in reality the Boulder police were scared to death about making big mistakes in a high-profile case like this, and, as we all know now, they made many mistakes. Their amateurish, small town and sometimes cocky approach was front and center for all to see. They were trying to be the NYPD, but seriously lacked the expertise to do so.
The new Boulder district attorney, Mary Lacey, is now one of the potential heroes in this case.
Mary Lacey was not the D.A. when this case first began, but all are happy to see her in the position today. Her determination to do the right thing, pay for a proper investigation and seek the best outside advice she could get is one of the reasons for the capture of John Karr. However, the Boulder D.A. and many others, including the FBI, still have a lot of work to do on this case. Her press conference today did not really give any new information. As I always say, there is a big difference between the court of law and the court of public opinion. The law leans towards no comment and public opinion desires more information through the media. Ironically, murder suspect John Karr had more to say to the press thus far than the Boulder D.A. Without new, honest, factual information from authorities in this case, the void of info will be filled with other opinions, conjecture and innuendo. Always has been and always will be. This is one reason why no comment might work well in the court of law, but never really works in the court of public opinion. And the phones at the D.A.'s office and the Boulder police department are now ringing off the hooks again by the many hundreds of global media bureaus seeking more information. Note to both: get excellent, seasoned, outside PR counsel on the case now before it's too late. Your reputations are all on the line and this case has legs.
Remember, do the right thing when your reputation is in crisis and seek the counsel of an experienced reputation management expert. It will be a major challenge, but ultimately the rewards of repairing your reputation will be great. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything! ™
About Mike Paul
Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Court TV, ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding leaders, celebrities, corporations and other organizations with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.
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August 10, 2006
Floyd Landis: Steroids, Doping and a Reputation in Crisis
PHOTO: Landis Can't Even Look Up at Press
“I have a new goal, to prove myself innocent.”
Commented Floyd Landis on ABC’s Good Morning America, but Landis originally said the liquor he had the night before the stage or perhaps dehydration were possible reasons for the positive test.
According to Reuters, embattled Tour de France winner Floyd Landis vowed on Monday to clear his name.
"I have a new goal, to prove myself innocent," Landis told ABC's Good Morning America.
Samples taken from Landis during last month's Tour revealed excessive amounts of the male sex hormone testosterone and the American faces being stripped of victory and a two-year ban.
The U.S. Cycling Federation has already referred the case to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
When asked whether he had ever used any performance-enhancing drug, Landis said, 'No, I have not."
Landis originally said the liquor he had the night before the stage or perhaps dehydration were possible reasons for the positive test.
He acknowledged on Monday those explanations had caused him problems.
"This is where I got myself into trouble from the beginning," said the American. "I can't explain these test results because I don't know exactly how this anomaly has occurred.
"I have come out in the press and tried to explain this from the beginning. I was forced into that situation because of leaks and announcements by the UCI (International Cycling Union) themselves, against their own rules, by the way.
"And this has caused some problems for me. All of these reasons that have come up, some of them from me, some of them from other people attributed to me, we need to try to forget about that and let the experts figure out what's going on."
Meanwhile in Paris, an expert in the field of sports doping research said Landis faced an uphill task to clear his name.
"If they want to prove him innocent from a scientific point of view, they will have to re-invent physiology," Gerard Dine, a researcher and an expert with the national organization for scientific research, told Reuters on Monday.
ABNORMALLY HIGH
A second Landis drugs test, or 'B' sample, was revealed over the weekend also to contain an abnormally high level of testosterone, making Landis likely to be the first Tour winner stripped of his title for doping in the 103-year history of the race.
PHOTO: Steroids Negative Effects on the Body
Testosterone generally speeds recovery, builds strength and gives more energy.
Landis, asked whether he contradicted himself with his various reasons for the positive test, said, "Number one, the whisky idea was not mine from the beginning.
"And the dehydration was a theory from the lawyers, which I must say I hired in Spain to represent me at the opening of the B sample but was not authorized by me to say something like that.
"I'm disappointed with that. And something has to be done about that.
Landis had a poor showing on the Tour's 16th stage and fell some eight minutes behind the leaders. However, he had a remarkable 17th stage to climb back into contention.
He told CBS's The Early Show the race was the "result of 15 years of hard work".
"A lot came together on the day after my bad day," he said. "I was clearly the strongest guy there from the beginning."
The UCI must now decide whether to take the title from the 30-year-old Landis and hand it to second-place finisher Oscar Pereiro of Spain. The Californian has already been sacked by his Swiss team Phonak.
When asked if he will race again and clear his name, he told CBS: "If I had to choose between the two, clearing my name is the most important one."
Should Landis get a UCI ban he would then not be able to sign up for a main circuit ProTour team for a further two years. At his age, that would effectively end his career.
PHOTO: Built Over a Lifetime, But Gone in Seconds
A few comments and questions from the Reputation Doctor regarding cyclist Floyd Landis:
If you are innocent, why did you cancel your original "Tonight Show" interview the day after the Tour de France victory and other media major opportunities within the first few days of the crisis?
I believe Landis was afraid of the truth because of the consequences of his actions. I believe he is a doper and he is guilty. I also believe he felt he needed to hide the truth from the public. He tried unsuccessfully to hatch a plan of spin with his attorney and his agent and it all failed miserably.
If you are innocent, why are you so sheepish and nervous in the media?.
If I was innocent of such a crime, I would have much more passion to fight for my reputation in both words and actions. I would not be as worried about measuring each word that came out of my mouth because I know the truth and it would set me free. I would have been on TV immediately, on day one and willing to tell the world, especially on the Tonight Show the day following your victory. Landis, did you miss the Tonight Show episode with Hugh Grant? He moved from crisis to rehabilitation in a few small minutes of truth with a direct apology on the right TV show. Your appearance recently on the Tonight Show was a bomb. Excuses, excuses, excuses. They don't help a reputation in crisis.
Why is your lead defense a legal one? Don’t you realize this whole thing is being played out in the court of public opinion?
Even you admit your attorney made big mistakes with his comments to the media regarding drinking whiskey as the accuse for the doping test results and other dumb and lying statements. Now you are saying it may be something you ate? Earth to Landis, make sure who ever speaks for you in the press has an agreement to share those messages with you before they share them with the world through the global media! Also, hire the best reputation management expert you can find. You needed crisis PR help the day the story broke, actually the day you first took performance enhancing drugs, but you weren’t ready for help then because you were still lying to yourself! Are you finally ready for help now? Put your pride and ego aside and do the right thing before it’s too late to rehab what’s left of your rep, if not for you then for your wife and family. Remember, they have your mudded name too.
Remember, do the right thing when your reputation is in crisis and seek the counsel of an experienced reputation management expert. It will be a major challenge, but ultimately the rewards of repairing your reputation will be great. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything! ™
About Mike Paul
Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Court TV, ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding leaders, celebrities, corporations and other organizations with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.
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August 1, 2006
Mel Gibson, Alcoholism, Anti-Semitic Remarks and a Reputation In Crisis
PHOTO: Mel Gibson’s Mugshot
"There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark. I want to apologize specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law enforcement officer the night I was arrested."
Commented Mel Gibson in a statement five days after the latest incident put his reputation back in crisis.
According to Reuters, Actor Mel Gibson on Tuesday apologized for making anti-Semitic remarks in a drunken rant and asked to meet Jewish leaders, but one of them called on the Hollywood superstar to show deeds and not offer words.
"There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark," Gibson said in a statement.
"I want to apologize specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law enforcement officer the night I was arrested," he added.
Gibson, who directed 2004's blockbuster movie "The Passion of The Christ" about the last hours of the life of Jesus, was caught speeding in his car early Friday, and he went on a rant in which he is widely reported to have said, "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department report, parts of which have appeared on celebrity Web site TMZ.com, is laced with anti-Semitic statements and expletives from the actor.
PHOTO: Gibson Now Has to Walk the Talk
The report further said that an open bottle of tequila was found in Gibson's car.
In his statement, the Oscar-winning director of "Braveheart" and lead actor in the "Lethal Weapon" series said he had entered "an ongoing program of recovery." In the past, Gibson has admitted to having problems with alcohol.
But it has been the anti-Semitic remarks that have raised the biggest outcry in and out of Hollywood because before "Passion," a $610 million global box office sensation, Gibson denied he or the movie were anti-Semitic.
GIBSON'S PLEA FOR HELP
His statement on Tuesday sought a meeting with Jewish community leaders in which he could explain his actions.
"I'm not just asking for forgiveness. I would like to take it one step further, and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing," Gibson said.
"I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery," he said.
But Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles likened the actor's statement merely to a first step.
Hier said Gibson must prove himself by completing a rehabilitation program and performing acts of goodwill such as visiting the Nazi death camps in Germany.
"We will know when the time is, but the time is certainly not when his press agents think it is," Hier said. "I certainly think he is facing his alcoholism, and now I think he needs to face the statements of bigotry and anti-Semitism the same."
Meanwhile, U.S. television network ABC said on Tuesday, it has pulled from development a miniseries about the Holocaust that it was developing with Gibson's Icon production company.
"Given that it has been nearly two years and we have yet to see the first draft of a script, we have decided to no longer pursue this project with Icon," said spokeswoman Hope Hartland.
PHOTO: Be Impeccable With Your Words
A few comments from the Reputation Doctor regarding Mel Gibson:
Mel Gibson now must walk the talk and back up all the rhetoric with consistent actions for the rest of his life.
No one said reputation management was easy. After a crisis, Gibson’s reputation must be open to lots of truth, honest, humility, transparency, accountability and consistency. If he is not willing to do all of the above, his reputation is toast!
The first step of crisis management is ego management.
Gibson must leave his ego at the door with both words and actions and consistently think of his relationship with God to get him through this crisis. The humility and honest he had in his previous interview with Diane Sawyer of ABC’s Good Morning America regarding his relationship with his wife should be used as an example for how he must speak to the Jewish community, learn and remember the the horrific suffering of the Holocaust and seek a long-term relationship with the Jewish community based on truth.
Mel Gibson should apologize again in person before the L.A. sheriff, leaders from the Jewish community and his family at a press conference this week and be willing to apologize many times more, if needed.
Saying your sorry through your spokesman is not enough with a crisis like this. The apology must come from Gibson himself and have on ifs or buts in it. He should also answer a few questions to clarify his remarks and be willing to take the heat to begin the healing process with accountability. Saying I'm sorry once nevers cuts it. Mel Gibson must be willing to say he's sorry over and over again to repair the relationship he breached. As I said in an interview today on CNBC's On the Money regarding Gibson's reputation in crisis, this is more heart work than head work and as a Christian Mel Gibson should know that.
Remember, do the right thing when your reputation is in crisis and seek the counsel of an experienced reputation management expert. It will be a major challenge, but ultimately the rewards of repairing your reputation will be great. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything! ™
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About Mike Paul
Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Court TV, ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding leaders, celebrities, corporations and other organizations with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.
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