by Amani Channel

So we all know about the Tiger Woods controversy. It’s scandalous to say the least, but enough already.

I stayed away from the story until I ran across this video via the Witches’Brew.

You won’t see a re-enactment like this on U.S. news.

I don’t understand what the reporter is saying, but the animation is priceless.

On a more serious note, Woods made a huge crisis communications error with this one. Sometimes, silence isn’t golden. He was slow to release a statement, ducked investigators, the media, and the public.

His sponsors are hanging tough, but if the public roars loud enough, that will change.

Here are some ways he could have handled the situation differently using traditional or social media:

1. His lawyer or spokesperson could have called a press conference shortly after the accident to speak on the family’s behalf.
2. Release a statement quickly. Post a YouTube video response. If Woods’ face was healing, release an audio podcast statement. Don’t give the public and media too much time to speculate.
3. Speak to investigators. It always looks suspect when a celebrity “hides” from the law.
4. Apologize to the public. Sure it’s none of our business, but his endorsements are a direct result of his popularity, and without his fans where would he be?

Looks like these ideas are similar to what other crisis communications pros are thinking.

CrisisBlogger
PRWeek
WSJ
SchwartzPR