Enron returns, promises 'corporate responsibility,' 'commitment to integrity'

One of the most scandal-ridden names in American business history appears to be back, though the seriousness of its reappearance remains to be seen.

"We're back. Can we talk?," Enron posted Monday on social media alongside a brief video and a press release.

The announcement comes 23 years to the day after its Dec. 2, 2001, bankruptcy due to widespread accounting fraud that created perhaps the most notorious corporate scandal in American history.

An Enron spokesperson deferred comment back to the Monday press release, though they teased that "a big announcement in the energy space" was on the way.

The video also yielded no clues, only presenting generic images and slogans that evoke the Kouchtown parody ads from "30 Rock."

As one might expect, though, the scandal is referenced often in the promotional materials, as Enron promises that its "leadership team is focused on setting a high standard for ethical business practices, transparency, and sustainability, serving as a model for corporate responsibility worldwide."

Additionally, by "acknowledging the past," Enron's newest iteration is "founded on a renewed commitment to integrity, with a forward-looking approach that prioritizes collective growth and learning," the company said.

While the exact nature of the retooled corporation remains unclear — the company only explained that "in 2024, Enron begins a new chapter, dedicated to solving the world’s energy challenges with innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to a brighter future" — it's possible it all could be a big joke.

As some social media users noted, buried in the company website's terms and conditions is the following statement: "The information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only."