The truth in the profession of public relations can be seen from two perspectives; the perspective of public relations practitioners and from the perspective of the public. This paper is based on the research of public perception of the importance of truth in public relations affairs and the influence of perception on the poor image of the profession itself. Based on the survey conducted in the Republic of Croatia in which 117 respondents participated, an insight into public perception of the public relations profession and factors that distort the profession's image were gained; the public believes that public relations practitioners sometimes use lies in their communication, especially when it is necessary to protect the reputation of a client, denying communication to the incomplete truth because of manipulation of attitude, and consider that practitioners must speak the whole truth in addressing the public. They believe that expertise is a key element for a good performance of public relations activities. It is important to note that the truth is the foundation for ethically acceptable communication and that if practitioners want the public relations profession to achieve the best image in the public, they must strive for true communication to the public, but also to their expertise.