1Manstanding’s Weblog

In an apology statement somewhat buried in their Web site, X17online.com admitted on April 5, 2008 that almost a dozen stories concerning NBA star Tony Parker’s alleged affair with French model Alexandra Paressant were completely false. Whew.

The statement reads, “In December 2007, X17online.com published over ten articles concerning Tony Parker and a woman named Alexandra Paressant. Various articles asserted that, after Mr. Parker was introduced to Ms. Paressant by Thierry Henry at this wedding to Eva Longoria, Mr. Parker engaged in sexual relations with Ms. Paressant. Since the publication of these articles, X17online.com and X17, Inc. have discovered that Mr. Parker has never met with, or spoken to, Ms. Paressant nor has he ever had sexual relations with her. X17online.com and X17, Inc. regret having been misled by Ms. Paressant and her representatives and apologize to Mr. Parker for any damage or inconvenience this may have caused him or his wife.”

Paressant originally reported to the celebrity blog site that she and Parker met at the ceremony where he wed his current wife, Eva Longoria, in July 2007. The scandal started in December 2007, when Paressant claimed to have had several steamy sexual encounters with Parker in Paris and San Antonio, Texas following their introduction at the wedding.

These articles posed problems for Parker and Longoria, as they quickly resulted in a slew of coverage within the blogosphere that was then picked up by more prominent news outlets, such as E! Online. This scenario goes to show that a publicist must remain vigilant in monitoring the usually unofficial, opinionated blogs for information concerning his or her clients. By remaining aware of the chatter, a publicist heightens his or her chance of squashing inaccurate information in its infancy. Quick recognition allows for a quick response that can re-frame an issue in a more positive light and increase the amount of control both the publicist and client have of the topics being discussed.

Soon after Parker realized the situation, he repeatedly made statements denying all claims of an extra-marital affair. He did the right thing in responding to the public with his side of the story, as it was a proactive way to take control of the situation and dispel the rumors to prevent any further damage to his reputation.

The numerous celebrity coverage blogs would be wise to check their sources before publishing. X17online.com has now lost much credibility that will prove difficult to gain back. Inaccurate information has no place in journalism nor public relations, and no professional in either field can afford to work with entities they are even remotely unsure of.

X17online.com is now being sued by Parker for $40 million in damages for posting “false and defamatory” stories, proving just how valuable a reputation can be.