Exposed passion leads to scandal (7)
I believe the answer is:
outrage
'scandal' is the definition.
('outrage' can be a synonym of 'scandal')
'exposed passion' is the wordplay.
'exposed' becomes 'out' (I've seen this in other clues).
'passion' becomes 'rage' ('rage' can be a synonym of 'passion').
'out'+'rage'='OUTRAGE'
'leads to' is the link.
(Other definitions for outrage that I've seen before include "Appalled reaction" , "Incense and offend" , "Gross injury" , "Fury" , "Very angry reaction" .)