The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson From Phillies Ball Snatch to US Open Hat Grab: Outrage, Backlash, and Blowback Explained
Outrage isn’t new, but the way it plays out in 2025 feels like a full-time industry. This week, it’s Phillies fans brawling over a foul ball, a CEO swiping a signed hat at the US Open, Bruce Willis’ family facing judgment in a Diane Sawyer interview, and American Eagle cashing in on controversy with its headline-grabbing campaign.
Here’s the problem: every headline slaps the same word on these stories—backlash. But backlash and blowback aren’t the same thing. If you don’t know the difference, you’re missing the real story.
In this episode:
- The Phillies “Ball Snatch” dad who turned a viral mess into a lesson in staying calm.
- The US Open “Hat Grab” CEO who folded fast—and why it saved his business.
- Bruce Willis’ family’s media strategy, turning online judgment into strategic storytelling.
- American Eagle’s outrage marketing proves that some brands script backlash into their budget.
- Why the age of the public apology is over—and what leaders are doing instead.
The September takeaway? Backlash reveals character. Blowback reveals strategy. And knowing which one you’re seeing could be the difference between chaos and control.
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