A weak and passive apology from Andrew Cuomo

A weak and passive apology from Andrew Cuomo

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is now the subject of multiple allegations of sexual harassment, including both suggestive speech and unwanted kissing. I’m not here to litigate Cuomo’s conduct. He’s agreed to have his attorney general investigate his conduct. As I have before for others, I’ll analyze his apology statement for its effectiveness in communication….

Slimeball PR/legal ethics: The Lisa Bloom letter to Harvey Weinstein
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Slimeball PR/legal ethics: The Lisa Bloom letter to Harvey Weinstein

Attorney Lisa Bloom, known for representing victims of sexual harassment, also proposed to work with Harvey Weinstein when the harassment accusations against him were just beginning. The new book She Said tells the inside story of what exactly went on during that time — and raises some challenging ethical questions. For the purposes of this…

At Google, a Sundar Pichai apology for sexual harassment stands out
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At Google, a Sundar Pichai apology for sexual harassment stands out

The New York Times described several instances of sexual harassment by senior executives at Google. Now Google staff are protesting. Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, sent an internal email about the company’s policy, and it stands out for its directness. In the wake of so many harassment allegations in the #MeToo era, it’s clear that there’s…

When is a false accusation okay? A reflection on “Shitty Media Men.”

When is a false accusation okay? A reflection on “Shitty Media Men.”

When is it acceptable to publish a false accusation? It’s the right time to consider this question. In the rush of the #MeToo movement, a woman named Moira Donegan created a Google Sheet intended to collect accusations of sexual misconduct against men in the media business. At the time of its creation, her identity was…

The year in bullshit: top “Without Bullshit” posts of 2017

The year in bullshit: top “Without Bullshit” posts of 2017

It’s been a hell of a year, and every month was filled with its share of bullshit. So let’s review 2017 through the lens of the most popular Without Bullshit posts in every month. January: “What’s really wrong with millennials?” asks Simon Sinek Simon Sinek has it all figured out. Millennials are screwed up because…

Mario Batali apologizes for groping women with a comforting cinnamon roll recipe

Mario Batali apologizes for groping women with a comforting cinnamon roll recipe

I thought I’d seen everything in sexual harassment apologies . . . until I saw one from celebrity chef Mario Batali that actually came with a recipe. Last week the Washington Post published an article about Batali that included a slew of documented instances of the chef making lewd suggestions to employees and others, and…

Al Franken’s self-serving exit speech
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Al Franken’s self-serving exit speech

I’ve enjoyed watching Al Franken in the Senate — his was a witty and consistent voice. In the wake of accusations that he sexually assaulted women, he is resigning. His exit speech was evasive, self-serving, and inappropriate for a man who had demonstrated integrity in his service as a senator. After eight women accused him of…

Gene Roddenberry was a sexist pig (and other observations about Star Trek and sex)

Gene Roddenberry was a sexist pig (and other observations about Star Trek and sex)

I’ve been watching Star Trek (The Original Series) again. Six episodes in, and with the perspective of what we’ve learned in the last five decades, I find its portrayal of women shameful. It says a lot about the way we still think about gender relations and how we got here. Understand where I’m coming from….

Pro forma responses for sexual harassers
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Pro forma responses for sexual harassers

There is way, way too much sexual misconduct in the workplace. It’s not all the same — we’re lumping together actors targeting 14-year-old boys, comedians knocking out and raping women, and politicians squeezing buttocks. But while the offenses are varied, the responses aren’t. They tend to come in one of three formats. While every lascivious…