The phrase "public disgrace" refers to a situation where someone's actions or behavior leads to shame, humiliation, and loss of respect in front of other people. Full definition
Nor should we fail to acknowledge the tragedy and injustice when priests who have been faithful for many years are subjected to public disgrace by the exposure of, or even no more than the unverified accusation of, a wayward act twenty or thirty years ago. (firstthings.com)
A more cynical view, though, would be that the Liberals are waiting for the crisis to become a more public disgrace that necessitates intervention. (macleans.ca)
Elsewhere outwardly respectable politicians, Labour as well as Tory plus several in smaller parties, are ashen - faced zombies fearing that past outrages will come back to haunt them and result in public disgrace. (totalpolitics.com)