The boss was angry about the bad news, but I just had to report it; don't shoot the messenger
She brought the difficult statistics to the meeting, and her colleagues started criticizing the data, but she reminded them, "Please, don't shoot the messenger."
He delivered the unfortunate verdict, and the jury looked displeased, but he knew they couldn't blame him
The analyst presented the bearish market forecast, and the investors were unhappy, but he was simply relaying the facts
I'm just the one telling you that the project is over budget; don't shoot the messenger
She had to break the news of the cancellation, and the team was disappointed, but it wasn't her decision
He delivered the harsh critique from the editor, and the author was upset, but the reviewer was just doing their job
The reporter published the unflattering poll results, and the campaign staff were furious, but she was obligated to report what she found
I'm only relaying the company's decision to downsize; don't shoot the messenger
He was the bearer of bad tidings about the failed experiment, and the scientists were despondent, but he was just the technician
The boss is furious about the missed deadline.
Oh no, I told him that might happen. Don't shoot the messenger!
I know, but he wants to know why.
Don't shoot the messenger; the news is bad
The bearer of bad news shouldn't be blamed
Punishing the messenger won't change the facts