PR industry expert Molly McPherson joins Sam to discuss recent celebrity PR crises including Lizzo's response to mistreatment allegations, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis's character letter, Drew Barrymore's potential picket line crossing, and Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's divorce. They also explore the decline of celebrities' PR skills due to social media, the role of attorney Marty Singer in celebrity crisis management, and tips for managing personal PR and reputation.
Effective crisis communication requires a genuine apology and taking responsibility for one's mistakes.
Adapting to the social media-driven landscape by acknowledging and addressing issues, being authentic, and listening to public sentiment is crucial for celebrities' PR.
Deep dives
Celebrities and Crisis Communication
Celebrities have recently been struggling with crisis communication and PR. Examples include Drew Barrymore's response to the writer strike, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' defense of a convicted rapist, Joe Jonas mishandling his divorce messaging, and Lizzo's delayed response to allegations of abuse. Many celebrities are using an antiquated playbook from the era of legacy media, which doesn't work in today's social media-driven landscape. They lack an understanding of the culture and struggle to control the narrative. However, some celebrities have done a better job, such as Jamie Foxx, who swiftly apologized for a controversial post. Taylor Swift is also praised for her strategic PR moves, leveraging social media, creating buzz, and capitalizing on moments.
Lessons from Jamie Foxx and Taylor Swift
Jamie Foxx's response to a PR crisis involving a controversial post highlights the power of a genuine apology and taking responsibility. Taylor Swift, known for her strategic PR moves, demonstrates the benefits of leveraging social media, creating buzz, and capitalizing on moments. Both examples emphasize the importance of understanding the culture and being proactive in managing one's reputation.
The Legacy Media Playbook vs. Social Media
Celebrities tend to rely on a legacy media playbook when handling crises, but it no longer aligns with the social media-driven landscape. The shift to social media created a level of transparency and increased public power. Celebrities need to adapt their approach by acknowledging and addressing issues rather than denying or manipulating the narrative. It is crucial to be authentic, genuinely apologize when necessary, and listen to public sentiment.
Personal PR Tip: Put Effort Into Reputation Management
In managing one's personal PR, it is essential to put effort into reputation management. Quick fixes or attempts to manipulate public perception usually backfire. The public is increasingly savvy and will recognize deception. Honesty, genuine apologies, and treating the public with respect are key. Following the examples of Beyoncé and others who know when to speak and when to stay silent can also be effective strategies.
Whether you’ve filmed your awkward apology video from the comfort of your own kitchen or a corner of your palatial backyard, you can bet Molly McPherson, aka “PR Lady,” will be analyzing it on TikTok. She brings her PR industry bona fides to the world of celebrity scandals, and there’s been a lot for her to talk about lately. She and Sam discuss Lizzo’s response to allegations she mistreated her dancers, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis’s character letter about Danny Masterson, Drew Barrymore’s potential crossing a picket line, and the muddled messaging around Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's divorce.
