Apologies, denials, and online disasters. Molly is breaking down the Matt Rife and Colleen Ballinger PR crisis.
This episode is all about perception management. As soon as the backlash starts, every subsequent step needs to be calculated. Often, this fine line between apology and denial can alter reputations and determine careers' trajectory in a blink.
These three key takeaways:
1. Exploring the anatomy of an apology, and what happens when it's done wrong, using Colleen Ballinger as our case study. Molly discusses how her previous behavior led to a backlash, how she responded to it, and how effective (or not) her response was.
2. Looking at "Bro humor" with Matt Rife. Molly dissects how he handled the backlash towards a controversial joke he threw out there and the marketing tactics he's using to survive it.
3. Understanding the differences in their responses - from Ballinger's rebranding strategy to Rife's doubling down. Who’s approach will work in the long run? There are predictions to be made and lessons to be learned.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
01:47 - Podcast topics based on social media trends
03:21 - Podcast explores intense scrutiny and interest
08:38 - Dana Carvey's tragic loss makes him reconsider
11:47 - Backlash sparked due to specific domestic violence joke
15:21 - TikTok stars sell out venues, not main stage. Negative response to non-apology tweet
19:03 - Sexuality discussions crossed line, inappropriate allegations. Victims named, vocal since 2020. Video response
23:10 - Video addressed wrong behavior, lacked explicit apology
25:44 - Video release coincides with Taylor Swift controversy
27:36 - No remorse, after views and money gain
32:40 - Audience understanding crucial for effective communication
33:55 - Sincere acknowledgment in crisis communication is essential