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Say sorry in public when something has gone wrong

Something went wrong and people are talking about it online. Get a calm, honest statement and a plan for the replies, without making it worse.

Updated 17 Oct 2026

The prompt · ChatGPT

Help me write a calm, honest public statement after something went wrong.

What happened: [the facts as you know them]
Who was affected: [e.g. customers who ordered last weekend]
What people are saying: [paste a few comments]
What we're doing to put it right: [actions]
What we don't know yet: [be honest]
Any safety, legal or insurance side: [yes / no / not sure]

Ask me up to 4 short questions first. Wait for my answers.

Then:
1. A short public statement: say sorry plainly, what happened in brief, what we're doing, and how people can get in touch.
2. Three short replies for common comments: an angry customer, someone asking questions, and a supporter.
3. A private message for people directly affected.
4. A plan for the next 3 days: when to update, what to watch.
5. What not to say.

Plain and sincere, no excuses. If there's a safety, legal or insurance side, tell me to get advice before posting. UK English.

Stay in this ChatGPT chat. Do not turn on apps or connectors, and do not use memory from another chat.

A short example

Fill the blanks, then paste. the facts as you know them: a short note you already have. e.g. customers who ordered last weekend: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.

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