Hill & Knowlton controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2022
COP27 conflict-of-interest criticism
Scientists and environmental advocates criticized Hill & Knowlton's role as official public relations firm for COP27 because the company also represented fossil-fuel corporations.
1991
Scientology contract dispute
The Church of Scientology sued Hill & Knowlton after the firm's representation ended. The church alleged that the termination resulted from pressure connected to Eli Lilly, a JWT client whose Prozac product it opposed. The dispute was settled out of court.
1990
Catholic abortion-rights campaign
The firm was hired by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to persuade Catholics and non-Catholics to oppose abortion rights. About one-third of headquarters employees reportedly signed a protest letter.
1988
BCCI representation
Hill & Knowlton represented the Bank of Credit and Commerce International during its money-laundering scandal. A U.S. Senate subcommittee investigated the firm's work and allegations that it pressured regulators, but the reference material reports no supporting evidence for those claims. The relationship ended after BCCI was convicted.
1970
Asbestos and industrial health communications
Representatives attended a meeting connected with Johns-Manville's environmental health task force. The later Asbestos Information Association denied asbestos health risks, although the association was not formed by Hill & Knowlton. The firm also worked on concerns involving vinyl chloride and chlorofluorocarbons.
1950
Tobacco-industry representation
Hill & Knowlton represented tobacco interests during the 1950s and 1960s, placing the firm within later criticism of public-relations work that challenged or managed public understanding of smoking-related health risks.
Uganda reputation-management work
The firm has worked for Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni to improve the reputation of his government. The work drew criticism because human-rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, had documented systematic repression in Uganda.