Adam Jiwan, Technology Entrepreneur

Another prominent media figure has been suspended, and now has time to decide how he will speak out to defend himself against allegations published in a competing news outlet. After a Washington Post article reported that CNN commentator Paris Dennard was fired from his job at Arizona State University for “making sexually explicit comments” the TV news network has suspended Dennard from his post offering commentary on news of the day.

As with many of the reports being made public recently, the incidents in question happened some time ago. The Post article references a 2014 investigation conducted by ASU, which “describes inappropriate incidents often initiated by Dennard…” which began the previous year. ASU investigators concluded that Dennard had “committed serious misconduct…” in the course of that year during which the alleged incidents took place.

The key here, for Dennard, is what to do and to say next. To defend himself against allegations of incidents that happened four or five years ago, at the time of this writing, Dennard runs the risk of opening himself up to multiple new investigations, to now-private details being brought into the light.

At the same time, if he chooses not to defend himself, Dennard will not have a voice in the building narrative. He will be at the mercy of pundits and media outlets, without the opportunity to share his side of events. Guilty or not, that’s a risk.

And there’s an added layer to all of this. Dennard’s position at CNN was as a staunch supporter of President Trump, so whatever he does will be viewed, by many, through that lens. This adds yet another factor to the risk of speaking out. Immediately after the announcement was made, Dennard took that risk, telling The Post: 

“This is sadly another politically motivated attempt to besmirch my character, and shame me into silence for my support of President Trump and the GOP…”

In response, the President tweeted out his support of Dennard, calling him “wonderful” and disparaging CNN in the process. 

At this point, Dennard may be best served by privately building a narrative of his own, as well as counter-messaging to what may come next. He has strong support, but of his own, and surrogate support from those who view this as another media attack on anyone who vocally supports the President.

So, in the meantime, the narrative will write itself, with partisans lining up on either side based on political allegiances. For Dennard to step into that prematurely would likely only hurt him. Sometimes, the best way to speak out is to let others do the talking for you.