Top 10 PR blunders of 2012
The NFL, Mountain Dew, Susan G. Komen, and other organizations earned themselves some shameful press this year. Here’s a recap.
1. Susan G. Komen
When Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced its decision to end its longtime partnership with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s leading breast cancer charity was widely criticized, particularly via social media. Many people alleged the organization cut funding due to pressure from anti-abortion groups and anti-abortion sentiment in the Komen executive ranks.
Meghan Casserly of Forbes reported on social media backlash from iconic women, such as author Judy Blume and U.S. Representative Jackie Speier. Speier tweeted that “Komen’s decision hurts women—it puts politics before women’s health.”
Faced with massive public outcry, the foundation apologized and reversed its decision within 72 hours of the initial announcement. But the damage to its image was already done. The New York Times cited a Harris Interactive study that showed Komen’s “brand health” score fell 21 percent from the year before.
2. Mountain Dew
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