* Draws significant public attention and negative scrutiny. This can be due to its shocking or controversial nature, its potential for damage to individuals or institutions, or its violation of social norms.
* Involves a public figure or entity. This could be a politician, celebrity, corporation, or even an entire community.
* Has a negative impact on society. This could involve damage to trust, erosion of moral standards, or even the breakdown of social order.
Examples of public scandals include:
* Political scandals: Corruption, bribery, abuse of power, misuse of public funds.
* Celebrity scandals: Extramarital affairs, drug abuse, legal trouble, inappropriate behavior.
* Corporate scandals: Fraud, insider trading, environmental violations, unethical practices.
* Social scandals: Violent crime, hate crimes, mass shootings, public health emergencies.
Key aspects of public scandals:
* Publicity: The event must be widely known and discussed in the public sphere.
* Controversy: The event must be seen as morally objectionable or harmful by a significant portion of the public.
* Impact: The event must have a tangible negative effect on individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.
It's important to note that the perception of what constitutes a "public scandal" can be subjective and vary greatly depending on cultural norms, political climate, and individual values.