infinite scroll Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni & How The Internet Normalised The Hollywood Smear Campaign
Jan 16, 2025
The podcast dives into the murky waters of Hollywood smear campaigns, using the legal clash between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as a focal point. It discusses how the internet's mob mentality fuels these targeted attacks and normalizes public vilification. Historical context is provided, linking smear campaigns to political tactics and even to cultural phenomena like the Bye Sister scandal. The conversation critiques the dark side of virality, examining its harmful effects, particularly on women, and how it shapes modern narratives in entertainment.
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Smear Campaign Definition
- Smear campaigns involve sharing false or misleading information to undermine someone's credibility.
- They don't offer substantive critique, but attack the victim personally.
Bye Sister Scandal
- The "Bye Sister" scandal, where Tati Westbrook attempted to take down James Charles, is considered a smear campaign.
- Initially successful, it backfired when James provided counter-evidence, shifting public support.
History of Smear Campaigns
- Historically, smear campaigns were primarily associated with politics.
- They date back to the early 1800s, seen in the US presidential race with pamphlets targeting John Adams.