I was never a fan of Britney Spears’ music. That was, until last year’s hit song Gimmie More. Needless to say, its appeal didn’t last long. I did, however, walk away with a new found appreciation of Spears.
On the verge of a come-back, she sadly fell into a self-propelling tail-spin. Swarmed by paparazzi and fans hoping to catch her next misstep, Spears has become the infamous train-wreck of the year.
As a PR student, I can’t help but think about her publicist. We have studied the concepts of key messaging, media training and crisis management. Not once have I heard a well-prepared articulate statement from the Spears camp.
Two questions come to mind. Is it possible that her PR team is sabotaging her? Or, more likely, is it possible that Spears is ignoring advice from her advisors?
Whatever the case, of which the latter is more plausible, Spears is arguably unstable. I wonder why the public doesn’t recognize the red flags and boycott this feeding frenzy.
My question, budding and seasoned practitioners, is how would you take charge of this situation?
8 responses so far ↓
Rick Weiss // February 2, 2008 at 5:30 am
Hey Kristen,
I’m really not sure how I’d deal with an extreme case like Brit… Maybe, swim to shore before my career goes down with the ship?
Although, no matter how much Spears screws up, could it possibly look bad having her name on your resume? I wonder….
Natasha C. // February 2, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I am not a seasoned PR professional however this is how I will deal with this awful situation. It’s obvious she is surrounded by a bunch of “yes” people. Someone in her camp needs to step up and tell her what she needs to hear. They need to pull her aside from all of the media hype and say, Britney, if you don’t stop you’re going to die and your kids will be motherless.
Furthermore, people in her inner circle must ensure she gets the appropriate treatment for her mental health. She is obviously dealing with some inner demons and she needs to address that.
Lisa Caroline Leung // February 2, 2008 at 4:42 pm
What Britney needs if for us to leave her alone.
Truth is, no one knows what’s going on, but we all know that we’re a part of that mess. We can’t break rotten eggs on someone and then complain of the smell.
I’d jump at the chance of doing her publicity. Truly. I’d love to. It would be a great opportunity to do some pretty amazing publicity work, and more importantly, a great opportunity to be a friend to someone who I think really needs one right now.
namini // February 3, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Perhaps Britney is using this “bizarre” behaviour as a form of gaining publicity. Could it be possible that she is following the old saying that “any publicity is good publicity”.
If Britney truly felt bombarded by the paparazzi wouldn’t you think that she would try to avoid them as appose to making sure that she goes to events, parties and places where she will surly be spotted.
I think that these series of events that have been depicted in the media are her way of gaining attention. She went from the girl next door, to a promiscuous young adult and now is trying to create a sad image which will surely be replaced by a rehabilitated Britney who comes out stronger and wiser than ever before.
cbaptiste // February 6, 2008 at 12:16 am
It would be a challenge for any of Britney’s publicist to work with her given the current scenario. That being said, the focus should be more on helping her and her children…can you imagine what they are going through? Britney is young and has a future ahead of her given the right direction and of course publicity. She is not the first nor the last celebrity who has dealt with demons. Robert Downey Jr. was able to turn his life and career around after a long battle with drugs. He was much older than Britney Spears. The re-branding of Britney will take some time and patience…And perhaps Lisa as her publicist!
conniepappas // February 6, 2008 at 12:41 am
I thought I had heard that her publicist quit on her, just as her lawyer did. oh britney.
staffeen // February 6, 2008 at 10:51 am
Unfortunately, “we” as a society (probably more in the States), love to build them up and tear them down - a Michael Jackson saga of sorts. It’s the demise of everything that people want to see ‘work’, but only for a limited time. That’s their celebrity motto. “Be successful please,” only for the industry, and the media to tire of their success and tear it to shreds.
It’s a sad social commentary.
Christine Smith // February 18, 2008 at 1:52 pm
You might recall William Wray Carney’s point in your MR text, In the News, where to writes about how no amount of good PR can make up for poor judgment.
Poor Britney. I think in many ways she’s been taken advantage of royally and isn’t in a position to make a sound decision about anything. And, she’s been used and abused.
Worse still….people love reading about this stuff.
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