The worst (and best) handled crises of 2017

For every Uber, Equifax and United Airlines dumpster fire, there was a ray of PR sunshine from the likes of Chobani, Tiki Brand and Dippin’ Dots.

If you have survived 2017 with your reputation and dignity intact, congratulations are in order. Many were not so fortunate.

Here are the worst- and best-handled crises of the past year, based on analysis of more than 12,000 public statements made by individuals, companies and other organizations. Let’s begin with the worst:

The worst

1. Harvey Weinstein
Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein‘s statement in response to allegations of sexual harassment and assault has to be one of the worst ever. Weinstein laid out a bizarre defense that he “came of age in the ’60s and ’70s,” and then he tried to change the subject by invoking political causes he wanted to pursue. Then we learned of efforts by Weinstein, his company and lawyers to kill off the offending stories.

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