Supporting private clients through challenges with discretion

For high-profile clients, even their most private personal matters can often rapidly transform into highly publicised events, drawing intense media attention and public scrutiny. Whether it is a sensitive divorce, blackmail attempt, estate dispute, digital reputation crisis or threats to personal safety, the attention these cases attract often overshadows the very real human struggles at their heart of these situations.

At GRA, we understand that addressing these issues requires more than legal expertise – it demands a strategic, discreet and deeply human approach to communication.

Discreet support in personal matters

Our approach begins with listening – understanding the unique circumstances of each client and crafting a communications strategy that protects privacy. We work behind the scenes to ensure that, if any public narrative emerges, it is accurate, measured and respectful of personal boundaries:

• Blackmail or harassment: we collaborate with legal and security advisors to neutralise threats before they escalate, crafting careful messaging that protects the client’s personal and professional standing.
• Divorce and family disputes: we prioritise discretion, minimising exposure and maintaining a dignified narrative that focuses on children, family stability and emotional well-being.
• Estate planning and succession: disputes over inheritance or wills can attract unwelcome public scrutiny. We help clients navigate these sensitive topics with discretion and clear communication, preserving family harmony and protecting legacies.
• Charitable giving and philanthropy: acts of generosity can sometimes face scrutiny – we ensure clients’ philanthropic initiatives are communicated in a way that highlights genuine impact and values, pre-empting criticism and building reputations for purposeful giving.
• Elevating personal and professional profiles: beyond crisis management, we position clients as trusted leaders through board appointments, awards and new ventures. Our team develops compelling narratives that highlight clients’ unique vision, achievements and values. We ensure these stories leave no room for doubt about why the recognition or opportunity was earned – and cementing clients’ reputations as credible, accomplished figures in their fields.

Most importantly, when any private disputes or issues do become public, our role is to reinforce a sense of fairness and integrity, ensuring that the client’s voice is heard clearly and that personal values remain at the forefront of any discussion.

When privacy is not an option: lessons from the Depp vs Heard case

It is understandable why high-profile individuals prefer to keep their personal matters private. The 2022 defamation trial between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is just one example of how critical communication becomes when private disputes spill into the public arena. Depp sued Heard over a Washington Post op-ed, and Heard countersued for defamation. The live-streamed trial became a global media spectacle, illustrating the intense scrutiny and public interest such cases attract.

Depp’s team embraced the media spotlight, working with PR experts to humanise him –  emphasising emotion, vulnerability and perceived inconsistency in Heard’s testimony. Social media campaigns and influencer-driven narratives, such as the viral #JusticeForJohnnyDepp hashtag, dominated platforms like TikTok and Twitter; memes and clips of the trial became viral, with many portraying Heard negatively. Meanwhile, her team was slower to engage with the public narrative, putting them at a disadvantage despite the complex legal arguments.

While most clients would prefer far less – or no – public attention, this case offers valuable lessons. It shows that in high-profile personal disputes, real-time communication can shape outcomes just as much as the legal arguments themselves. It also highlights the power of strategic narrative-building, media management and social media engagement in influencing public perception and reputational outcomes.

A trusted partner in challenging moments

At GRA, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner for clients navigating life’s most sensitive challenges, even when privacy is not an option. Our work balances discretion with strategic communication, focusing on protecting what matters most: personal dignity, family harmony and long-term reputation. By crafting thoughtful communication strategies and managing public narratives, we help clients face intense scrutiny with integrity.