exposé

An exposé is a report or article intended to reveal information about wrongdoing, corruption, or hidden practices. It can appear as investigative journalism, a documentary, a book, or a formal public statement. The term comes from French exposé, meaning a presentation or explanation, and in English it is typically spelled exposé (accented) or occasionally expose.

Exposés rely on evidence such as documents, records, and interviews, and aim to present verifiable facts. They may involve investigative techniques, undercover work, or whistleblower disclosures. Their purpose is to inform the public and provoke accountability, potentially leading to public debate, policy changes, or legal action. Because they handle sensitive material, exposés raise ethical considerations, including verification, source protection, and the risk of defamation.

Context and scope vary: exposés have historically contributed to uncovering political, corporate, or institutional misconduct and are found in traditional print journalism, broadcast media, and digital platforms. The term is also used more broadly to describe any public disclosure that lays bare facts or allegations about a person or organization, even without proven wrongdoing.