All articles tagged with #public relations
Disney is facing criticism after reports that a Pedro Pascal fan encounter tied to The Mandalorian was staged for publicity, prompting backlash over the authenticity of celebrity meet-and-greets and highlighting the PR tactics used in entertainment marketing.
Mike Vrabel’s bid to manage a scandal involving reporter Dianna Russini turned the 2026 NFL Draft into a saga, as damning photos and Russini’s resignation forced the Patriots to alter media plans and Vrabel to publicly announce counseling—an episode many view as hubris that overshadowed football and drew widespread scrutiny.
After drafting Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, the Dallas Wings' PR declined to comment on their dating relationship, which had been public for a year; columnist Kevin Sherrington criticized the team for inviting scrutiny, while noting the pair were former UConn teammates who won a national championship—a dynamic not unheard of in the WNBA.
McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski posted a video of himself taking a tentative bite of the new Big Arch burger, triggering joking reactions from rivals and fans online; McDonald's says the attention is helping promote the product and early sales are beating expectations.
McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski posted a video of himself sampling the new Big Arch burger that went viral, prompting online jokes about his bite. In response, Burger King shared a video of its president Tom Curtis eating a Whopper, saying the post wasn’t a reaction but part of ongoing promo for the Whopper. The moment drew engagement from rivals including Wendy’s, highlighting how leadership-level content is being used to spotlight new menu items in a competitive buzz cycle.
Three Alexander brothers (Oren, Tal, Alon) are jailed on sex-trafficking conspiracy charges and have mounted a well-funded publicity drive to discredit their accusers, enlisting high-profile PR figures and even operating a covert website to push a conspiracy against the women who allege abuse. The defense contends the encounters were consensual, framing the case as revenge, while the campaign—part of a broader post‑MeToo dialogue—demonstrates how publicity efforts can influence public perception and courtroom narratives.
Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that her divorce from Chris Martin and the associated public perception led to her being fired from a movie role, highlighting how personal life events can affect professional opportunities and the misunderstandings surrounding her 'conscious uncoupling' phrase.
Harry and Meghan have experienced a high turnover of staff, including their chief communications officer, due to a mismatch between their celebrity ambitions and the professional environment they foster, which may be driven by their pursuit of a Kardashian-style lifestyle rather than traditional royal or philanthropic roles.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s chief publicist, Meredith Maines, left her role after one year, marking the 11th publicist to depart from their team in five years, amid ongoing staff changes and media reports about workplace challenges.
Many CEOs are actively using social media to boost their personal and company brands, but this trend can backfire, leading to perceived cringey behavior, legal risks, and public backlash, as exemplified by cases like the 'Crying CEO' and controversial posts by other executives. While social media offers benefits like increased visibility and direct consumer engagement, it also carries significant risks that require careful management.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attempted to clarify his comments about prioritizing his lucrative natural-gas business over team responsibilities, emphasizing his ongoing focus on the Cowboys despite recent distractions, which raises questions about his role and the need for a dedicated GM.
The Department of Homeland Security has shifted its recruitment ads from Halo to Lord of the Rings, using popular culture to appeal to specific audiences, which has sparked criticism due to the controversial political implications and the complex symbolism associated with Tolkien's work.
Ed Zitron, a PR professional known for his outspoken views, publicly criticizes and supports AI companies simultaneously, highlighting the complex relationship between PR, public opinion, and AI technology.
Taylor Swift demonstrates an effective way to handle criticism by thanking critics, focusing on her fans, and confidently affirming her work, offering a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs and creators on managing negative feedback gracefully.
Eugene Levy interviews Prince William on Apple TV+'s The Reluctant Traveler, portraying him as a relatable, normal dad figure, possibly as a subtle image rehabilitation effort for the royal.