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Crisis and Reputation Management for Tennis Champion Boris Becker
Challenge:
• Because of ECA's expertise in crisis management, the firm was hired by global law firm, Baker & McKenzie to represent tennis star Boris Becker with the media while he was seeking a separation from his wife of seven years. ECA's goal was to combat rumors concerning his reputation and to maintain his image as an internationally recognized tennis champion.
• The German tennis player is a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and the youngest-ever winner of the men's singles title at Wimbledon at the age of 17. While known around the world as a tennis star, he is a revered celebrity in his native Germany.
• In 2000, a week after Becker filed for divorce, his wife flew to Miami, Florida with their two young sons and filed a petition in Miami-Dade County Family Court, sidestepping their prenuptial agreement which had entitled her to a single $2.5 million payoff. The January 2001 pretrial hearing was broadcast live to Germany. Becker was granted a divorce on January 15, 2001. His wife received a $14.4 million settlement, their condo on exclusive Fisher Island and custody of their children.
Approach:
• While Mrs. Becker's attorney was conducting daily press conferences at the footstep of the courthouse to incite the media with rumors and sensational accusations, ECA declined to participate in the negative media campaigning. Instead, the firm individually contacted reporters covering the story to give them exact details and facts about the case in a professional and efficient manner.
• The German press, as well as local media, was covering every second of this trial. ECA implemented a 24-hour rumor control hotline to give the German press access to the latest details about the trial despite the time difference. The firm also provided photos and information as to when and where the next announcements would be made.
Results:
• The trial was eventually settled out of court. ECA successfully represented Becker to the media and was able to provide a positive image during his highly publicized divorce trial. Despite the negative media reaction provoked by Mrs. Becker's attorney, Becker was able to clear his name and retain his image as an international tennis champion.
Challenge:
• Because of ECA's expertise in crisis management, the firm was hired by global law firm, Baker & McKenzie to represent tennis star Boris Becker with the media while he was seeking a separation from his wife of seven years. ECA's goal was to combat rumors concerning his reputation and to maintain his image as an internationally recognized tennis champion.
• The German tennis player is a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and the youngest-ever winner of the men's singles title at Wimbledon at the age of 17. While known around the world as a tennis star, he is a revered celebrity in his native Germany.
• In 2000, a week after Becker filed for divorce, his wife flew to Miami, Florida with their two young sons and filed a petition in Miami-Dade County Family Court, sidestepping their prenuptial agreement which had entitled her to a single $2.5 million payoff. The January 2001 pretrial hearing was broadcast live to Germany. Becker was granted a divorce on January 15, 2001. His wife received a $14.4 million settlement, their condo on exclusive Fisher Island and custody of their children.
Approach:
• While Mrs. Becker's attorney was conducting daily press conferences at the footstep of the courthouse to incite the media with rumors and sensational accusations, ECA declined to participate in the negative media campaigning. Instead, the firm individually contacted reporters covering the story to give them exact details and facts about the case in a professional and efficient manner.
• The German press, as well as local media, was covering every second of this trial. ECA implemented a 24-hour rumor control hotline to give the German press access to the latest details about the trial despite the time difference. The firm also provided photos and information as to when and where the next announcements would be made.
Results:
• The trial was eventually settled out of court. ECA successfully represented Becker to the media and was able to provide a positive image during his highly publicized divorce trial. Despite the negative media reaction provoked by Mrs. Becker's attorney, Becker was able to clear his name and retain his image as an international tennis champion.
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