Angry comments posted on the pearl maker’s Facebook page after the show aired were deleted overnight, and a message from the brand expressing regret over the death of Hampton reposted today.
Jarrod Hampton's parents on Four Corners
A spokesperson for the brand – from crisis management PR firm Cato Counsel – told Mumbrella that comments had been removed as they were “offensive”.
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However, one poster claimed that their deleted comment was not offensive and contained no swearing, and reposted the comment today headlined, DELETED COMMENT REPOST.
The show brought into question Paspaley’s safety precautions leading up to the death of 22-year old Hampton in waters off the south of Broome earlier this year.
The re-post from the company has already drawn more heated responses from users today.
One reads: “Good to see the way you handle criticism is to completely wipe it from the eyes of public. Your levels of respect are plummeting.”
Another reads: “Social media 101 Paspaley, don’t remove negative comments it only makes things worse for you…”
Paspaley has since issued a statement to defend its safety record and reject claims made on the Four Corners program.
An extract from the statement reads:
“It is extremely disappointing that Four Corners has chosen to raise unsubstantiated safety allegations at this sensitive stage which could be prejudicial to the ongoing investigations. For the record, safety has always been a high priority for Paspaley which does not make compromises on safety across any of its operations.
“The tragedy this year was the first work related fatality of a Paspaley employee since records commenced in the 1960’s and Paspaley is not aware of any other fatalities before then.”
Twitter has also been ablaze with negative comments made about Paspaley.
Paspaley Storify:
[<a href=”http://storify.com/mumbrella/paspaley-blood-pearls-backlash-after-four-corners” target=”_blank”>View the story “Paspaley \”#blood pearls\” backlash after Four Corners exposé” on Storify</a>]<br /> <h1>Paspaley "#blood pearls" backlash after Four Corners exposé</h1> <h2>Social media response to Four Corners’ story on the unexplained death of a young pearl diver in Western Australia</h2> <p>Storified by Tim Burrowes · Mon, Jul 09 2012 19:47:42</p> <div>RT @CarolineFalshaw: The morning’s ‘ooh, Paspaley’ moment on Martin Place has been replaced with ‘boo Paspaley’. #4cornersMonica Attard</div> <div>RT @missprovocateur: #Paspaley Pearls ensured their diveboats were equipped with body bags but no safety equipment. Please boycott http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/07/05/3539781.htm #4cornersCall Me Mr Scott!!</div> <div>RT @checksandspots: Kudos to #4corners for exposing the real cost of pearls. Paspaley deserves every bit of fall out from tonight.Vic Beach Volleyball</div> <div>@attardmon #paspaley I was totally shocked about the dangers of drift diving Like an undercapitalized third world industry shame on paspaleyRosie von Stieglitz</div> <div>RT @4corners: Response to tonight’s #4Corners from Paspaley here: http://bit.ly/PzzsBS – Plus extended interviews on our websitte: http://bit.ly/MZhCVL RTchloe dickson</div> <div>RT @AnitaHeiss: A mask and flippers now held on back deck of the Paspaley vessels! Well big effing deal! #4corners #boycottpaspaleypearlsMoreWordsThanLinks</div> <div>The skill set of the skipper and deck hand had a lot to be desired. Paspaley surely knew the compromise in safety standards they made.Angela Rainbow</div> <div>#4corners Steaming back 2 shore for 8hrs would have been a harrowing time for all onboard Jarrods boat. Paspaley need to acknowledge mistakeReeB73</div> <div>“@tony_hampton: Thank you all for your overwhelming support. Lets hope for change. @4corners#paspaley” Brave family!!!Monica Attard</div> <div>Expert says pearler lacked procedure: A DIVING safety expert has said Paspaley Pearls lack an emergency … http://j.mp/PGntE4 #topendTop End Tweets</div> <div>RT @ajtwaits: No Paspaley Pearls rep for the the #4corners story? Poor. The Pearl Industry Association guy clearly a front. Sad story.Iain Dawson Gallery</div> <div>RT @ThePatrician: #Paspaley Pearl’s, where our divers lives are cheaper than our overpriced pearls. #4cornersIain Dawson Gallery</div> <div>#4corners Paspaley Pearls seriously need to look at their work practices. Bordering on "blood" pearls.Leanne Blight</div> <div>We the buyers have the power 2 force paspaley pearls to value the lives of their employees- BOYCOTT this brand now! #4cornersNat</div> <div>@AleishaOrr Dude, I am so angry! I just couldnt believe such a story.. Paspaley’s attitude is gobsmacking.Pip Doyle</div> <div>#4Corners I bet Paspaley Pearls will be on sale tomorrow. This will seriously hurt them considering we are now in peak tourist season BroomeReeB73</div> <div>Safety is your highest priority? Bull – profit margins is your highest priority #paspaley otherwise you would have made the changes alreadyCharlotteClaire</div> <div>Paspaley Pearls should be fucking ashamed of themselves. #4CornersPip Doyle</div> <div>WorkCoverWA taking next 3yrs to investigate a death worst part of tonight’s @abcnews #4Corners story on Paspaley pearl boat opsalan jones</div> <div>I’ve only done my open water but I was taught how to do buddy breathing underwater. Shame on you #paspaley pearls @4corners @ABCaustraliaCharlotteClaire</div> <div>#4Corners Blood on your hands Paspaley’s! Denial on your lips! Arseholes!!!Brett Padroth</div> <div>A lot of people being interviewed on #4corners appear to be current staff. Lack of "former" before the titles? Paspaley can’t be too happy.Deb Taylor</div> <div>#Paspaley. They dont carry life saving equipment onboard their pearlboats, but they do carry body bags. Says it all really. SHAME! #4cornersLouise Zacharia</div> <div>@Paspaley – When you’re accused of killing young men, man up & answer the questions. Why in the name of Croesus would we buy Paspaley pearlsJackson PR</div> <div>It’s not just people smugglers making money from ‘boat people’ trying to find a better life. http://bit.ly/N9metN #qanda #paspaleyikuti™ ヅ</div> <div>@4corners I’m appalled by past diver recounts of Pasaley.How can we possibly buy Paspaley pearls now when no rescue gear seemingly on deck?Sarah McDonald</div> <div>@4corners Paspaley’s response is ridiculous to say the least, They use the word (Only) workers deaths repetitively and very loosely.Luke Hudson</div> <div>RT @4corners: Response to tonight’s #4Corners from Paspaley here: http://bit.ly/PzzsBS – Plus extended interviews on our websitte: http://bit.ly/MZhCVL RTAdam Ferrier</div> <div>RT @KerriB: _nicolekidman I really hope you saw #4corners tonight and decide that #paspaley pearls are not one of your favourite things after all!Rebecca Lines</div> <div>Pearler!! Seems http://www.paspaley.com/ website has crashed after 4Corners gave an insight into work practises… http://fb.me/1uQkNZzpBBrendan McNally</div> <div>@4corners Not good Paspaley, Not good Australian lawmakers! Change the law.FayeM</div> <div>’amazeballs’, #paspaley, ‘drummer’ & ‘epiphany’ are now trending in #Sydney http://trendsmap.com/au/sydneyTrendsmap Sydney</div> <div>#Paspaley should b an additional chapter in John Bailey’s White Divers of #Broome. Poor form not2speak even w investigation pendin #4corners30days30years</div> <div>Never buying pearls again after watching Paspaley story on 4Corners. Tragedy.Le Tran</div> <div>Can’t believe drift diving @4corners #paspaley is even a job. Not worth risking your life forMiranda Ronnfeldt</div> <div>Such a tragic story on #4corners tonight. Hits hard when 3 of my friends are former pearl divers with Paspaley.Paul Trott</div> <div>Kudos to #4corners for exposing the real cost of pearls. Paspaley deserves every bit of fall out from tonight.Clare</div> <div>@GeorginaTorrens so terrible and sad, paspaley pearls have lost a little luster for me :(Emma Barrett</div> <div>ABC four corners.. Shame on u paspaley pearls..a diver died due to no safety procedures! Absolutely disgusting! Boycott their pearls!Damienne Pradier</div> <div>RT @Woogsworld: Watching #australianstory and my heart is weeping. Not worth losing your life so rich ladies can wear a string of Paspaley Pearls.sam turnbull</div> <div>RT @MartinGHodgson: If you’re buying pearls ask the jeweller if they’re #Paspaley #Boycott #4cornersTrevor</div> <div>#4corners A very lame response #Paspaley Pearls. Clearly workplace safety is not a priority/or adhered to RT @4corners http://bit.ly/MZhCVLMoreWordsThanLinks</div> <div>@servantofchaos Loathe #paspaley ? Fly Qantas? How about we mark up the facts on their ads in the Qantas mags, when we fly?Coco Fofo</div> <div>Well, I just watched the 4 corners show and I am disgusted with Pasbaley pearls, how do you sleep at night, knowing you are not providing safe diving for your workers resulting this death of Jarrod. does being the 12th riches family in Australia mean at cost to life…? disgusted!Mary Penglis</div> <div>Have just finished watching 4 Corners. Shame on Paspaley Pearls for their lack of safety procedures which could have saved a young man’s life.Christine Sipma</div> <div>Appalled by #4corners report on #paspaley pearls dangerous drift diving- no training + no safety precautions. A life could of been saved.Beth Edwards</div> <div>stop the paspaley boats chris #qandaLisa T</div> <div>RT @aptronym: RTing this about #Paspaley family’s involvement in detention centres. http://bit.ly/N9metM http://bit.ly/N9mkSa #4corners #asylumJessica Gardner</div> <div>RT @piaejackson: @4corners a sad episode about the young man that died while diving for Paspaley pearls off Broome!! #sad <Yes, upsetting.Kristy@houseofprowse</div> <div>the apparent greed & lack of concern for workers’ safety is outrageous;heatbreaking for the family; no Paspaley pearls for me #fourcornersafeministmother</div> <div>I am watching ABC about a young diver, Jarrod Hampton who died working for Paspaley Pearls…who DO NOT invest enough money into their safety standards for such a dangerous job! These poor people have lost their gorgeous son and brother. Such a heart wrenching story! Such an ignorant, greedy company that refuses to make appropriate safety adjustments to protect their divers!!! THEY SHOULD BE DISGUSTED!!!Charmaine Krueger</div> <div>My dislike for pearls now has a name. Paspaley. Shocking story of profits before safety #4corners. Poor family.Charlie Hustle ♛</div> <div>Four Corners… I’m lost for words.. Paspaley Pearls you should be convicted of industrial manslaughter for the death of Jarrod Hampton. Pearl Industry workers you need to join the MUA and demand safe working conditions now. This is a national disgrace!! Australian Pearls might as well be Blood Diamonds!Trevor Gauld</div> <div>@MsBrownMouse @aptronym @RadhikaR @becford74 am I observing an uprising?! #Paspaley #CognacVine Pirate</div> <div>RT @MissBaileyWoof: Paspaley Pearls: $100 million per year. Mask, snorkel, fin set: $125 per set. #4cornersErn Mallee</div> <div>RT @tinysavages: Safety highest priority. Right after money. #paspaley #4cornersPeter Radoll</div> <div>There goes any desire I had for #Paspaley pearls #4corners #getwrenching storysal the gal</div> <div>Another gut wrenching #4corners. The sheen has certainly come off Paspaley.Pippa Masson</div> <div>#paspaley greed over worker safety, spend $$ and bring the industry up to a proper safety standard, shocking #4cornersHelen WalkerTurner</div> <div>Writes down Tuesday’s twitter outrage talking points "Paspaley Pearls".. in case I forget..AmosKeeto</div> <div>@tangstake consumer boycott. Use all our SM contacts and networks to tell people Why not to buy their Blood-Pearls.#PaspaleyBrad A</div> <div>Hugely disliking paspaley right now #4Corners #paspaleyElizabeth Harris</div> <div>Googled to see whether #Paspaley are on twitter. Their website appears to be borked. #4Cornersaptronym</div> <div>My heart goes out to the courageous parents and co-divers. No words for #Paspaley or others who ignore the true price of pearls #4cornersAnita Tang</div> <div>Another ball-tearer #4corners, well done. If anyone was ever going to buy ass-ugly pearls from #Paspaley, I hope they reconsider.Laila Christie</div> <div>RT @MsRonnyB: @Jakstar This is disgraceful #Paspaley Pearls! Your greed and immorality are reprehensible. You have been exposed. #4Corners #PearlsPyrmontvillage</div> <div>RT @Kimbo_Ramplin: Blood Pearls #Paspaley #4CornersRachelle Towart</div> <div>And here’s a recent #Paspaley pearl ‘party of the week’ lunch in Sydney http://bit.ly/N9lGnT #4Cornersaptronym</div> <div>#4corners why is it that assholes like Paspaley NEVER APPEAR ON THE SHOW ?????? Unfuckenbelievable !mattymi5</div> <div>@4corners Shame Paspaley Pearls, SHAME!Todd Durrant</div> <div>Paspaley Pearls – greedy fucking cunts #4corners @paspaley @paspaleypearlsM Jellow Bird</div> <div>You’d hope so 🙁 RT @louattheend: #4corners Appalling. Surely Paspaley must have changed their practises since this mans pointless death.Gavin Heaton</div> <div>Toats boycott on Paspaley pearls!!Amy Coleman</div> <div>This story just gets worse and worse #paspaley #4cornerschrsem</div> <div>RT @aptronym: This #4Corners is reflecting seriously badly on the pearling industry and Paspaley.Mrs Boogooloo Watts</div>
The full episode is available to stream on ABC
Luxury jewelry brand Paspaley is facing the wrath of social media users the day after ABC investigative journalism show Four Corners looked into the death of Paspaley pearl diver Jarrod Hampton.
Tim, great article. Do you think the lack of comments may be a result of the Storify plug in? Takes a lot of scrolling to get this far because the plugin keeps refreshing and extending out.
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If only ABC would do an expose on the Belo Monte Dam and the Presicent Dilma’s open season on the Amazon. Thousands of people AND the amazon are being sacrificed in the name of greed there as I write. Where is the coverage? Where is the indignation? Where is the Resistance?
http://www.facebook.com/pages/.....5702683503
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This was one of the saddest and most well researched stories on 4 Corners. Up there with its people smuggler stories a few weeks ago. Well done ABC. But it seems that the Western Australian government can immediately introduce legislation which incorporates pearl divers within the same regime as for offshore oil and gas exploration. As for Pasparley Pearls it deserves all the censure it has received and any decent CEO would have responded to the safety concerns before the 4 Corners program came out. Stupid and tragic.
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Jarrod was a very good friend of mine and I would like to thank everyone for their words and support following the 4-corners. Jaz was an amazing being and a very skilled diver with whom I qualified as d.I with. He should have had the choice not to dive again after his near drowing incident. But diving again was the only option. His free will was taken, and therefore his life. Pearl is murder
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Great article. I watched this on 4 Corners too. Heart breaking. Paspaley are stupid for deleting all the comments. I posted this article on the Paspaley facebook page! Ha ha (I keep checking if it’s been deleted)
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Very sad about the diver, no doubt, but this story was SOOO biased!!! Not a word about what happens in other companies, not safety or how much they offer the divers/shell. I have worked with Paspaley and they do care about their workers and safety. Its a huge operation, providing many jobs for many many families, so before everyone boycotts Paspaley Pearls, maybe better energy should be directed towards introducing better safety regulations on the dive boats rather then sink an Australian icon.
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