Recently Adam Jasinski, a star on the CBS reality television series "Big Brother" made a comment on the air calling autistic children "retards." Jasinki, who worked for the United Autism Foundation as a PR manager no less, later said that he could call these children with autism whatever he wanted because he worked with them. The show "Big Brother" involves grouping people together in a house with absolutely no contact from the outside world and filming them, so Jasinski really would have no idea that his comments caused an outcry or, were even noticed at all. Unfortunately for Jasinski this was no idle comment unheard by the masses watching. Apparently at least one advertiser "pulled out of the show," and several austism groups have called for CBS to cancel "Big Brother".
This is a good example of PR Crisis Management. Apparently, it was well known to other stars of the show as well as viewers that Jasinski worked for the United Autism Foundation. Therefore, Jasinski is somewhat of a representative for the foundation while he is on the show. A comment like that is bound to offend many people, and action would have to be taken in order to show that the United Autism Foundation does not use that kind of language or terminology for those they work with, and do not approve of those that do. The crisis was effectively managed by the UNIAF firing Jasinski, as it was announced on their website. However, due to the sequestered nature of the stars of "Big Brother", Jasinski won't even know he's been fired until he is finished with the show.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/02272008/tv/big_brother_star_fired_for_retard_commen_99458.htm
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