Can Ashley Madison Cheat Death?

New leadership, and even a new name, likely won't be enough

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Can Ashley Madison cheat death?

Almost certainly not, experts said, as the flak surrounding the company's data-security breach continues to fly. Many are skeptical the infamous adultery site can come back from the devastating leak that has exposed customers and brought on $500 million in lawsuits.

"One couldn't have invented a more efficient scenario for the annihilation of a brand," said Robert Thompson, a professor of popular culture at Syracuse University. "Client lists have been leaked, reports have questioned the reality of female members, and Josh Duggar has emerged as a public face of the company."

There was more churn today as Noel Biderman stepped down as chief executive officer of Ashley Madison's parent, Avid Life Media.

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