public scandal
Widely known shame
A public scandal is an incident of wrongdoing, disgrace, or moral outrage that becomes widely known and discussed.
The exposure is essential—private misconduct becomes a public scandal when it enters public consciousness through media coverage or social circulation.
The affair became a public scandal when the emails leaked.
Politicians, celebrities, and institutions are particularly vulnerable to public scandals because of their visibility.
- abuse of powerMisusing entrusted authority
- exposésReports uncovering hidden truths
- whistleblowersThose exposing organizational misconduct
- hush moneyPayment to ensure secrecy
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
embezzlement · institutional reform · bribery · politicians · perp walk · investigative journalism · cover-up · fraud · smoking gun · nepotism · fall from grace · insider trading · journalists · resignations · corporations · press conferences · sexual misconduct · social stigma
- Dreyfus AffairDevil's Island, Emile Zola, forged documents
public scandalprivate matter
Personal concern, not shared
behind closed doors · family secret · open secret · secret · kept quiet
public scandalheroic act
Brave deed helping others
heroic deed · good reputation · national pride · glowing tribute · public recognition
public scandalnon-event
Disappointing lack of significance
business as usual · obscurity · tempest in a teacup · anonymity