Latest news with #ReputationManagementConsultants
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Diddy's comeback odds? Slim. But some humility can help, crisis PR experts say.
While Sean "Diddy" Combs may have beaten the most serious charges in his criminal trial, the court of public opinion might have a different verdict. Shortly after Thursday's bombshell verdict that allowed Combs to dodge a possible life sentence, his lead defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, called the decision a "great victory" for the hip-hop mogul. But some crisis PR experts and an entertainment attorney told Business Insider that Combs' reputation may be beyond rehabilitation. The often-wrenching courtroom testimony — including the ugly details of his relationship with R&B singer Cassie Ventura and the drug-fueled "freak off" sex performances at the center of the trial — will be hard for the public to forget. "Racketeering dodge or not, the pimp transport convictions lock him in society's septic tank," Eric Schiffer, the CEO of Reputation Management Consultants, said. Combs was acquitted of the top sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, but the crimes he was convicted of — two Mann Act charges related to transporting his victims for prostitution — will still "make him a legal leper," said Schiffer. (Combs faces up to 20 years behind bars, though legal experts expect his sentence to be much less.) "Rehabbing his image will be an uphill battle," said William DiAntonio, the CEO of reputation management firm Reputation911. "The court of public opinion often operates differently than a court of law, and the details that emerged during the trial, even those not leading to convictions, can be incredibly damaging." Part of the problem for Combs will be the visuals connected with the case, in particular the hotel security footage of him physically assaulting Ventura, the government's key sex-trafficking trial witness. The day after the verdict, the New York Post's front page labeled Combs the "Notorious P.I.G." and a "baby oil-obsessed woman beater," over a still from the video, and a number of celebrities, including Kesha and Mariska Hargitay, expressed support for Ventura. "That video is going to be hard to forget," Evan Nierman, the CEO of crisis-PR firm Red Banyan, said. "It's seared into the consciousness of the public." Associating with that image is a risk that celebrities — the ones who once saw Combs as a powerful kingmaker — and businesses won't want to take. "Industry A-listers won't risk a photo-op; one Getty watermark equals a brand bleed," Schiffer said. "Sync licensors will keep treating his catalog like a radioactive dirty bomb." Combs' income streams have largely dried up since sex abuse allegations against him began to surface in 2023, with his once-partner Diageo saying that the accusations "make it impossible for him to continue to be the 'face' of anything." The number of civil lawsuits piled up against him won't help any reputational rehab. Combs faces more than 50 suits accusing him of sexual assault, rape, drugging and other forms of violence. Beyond his denial of the criminal charges that the government brought, Combs has also denied any allegations of sexual assault. "Sean Combs isn't chasing headlines — he's focused on what matters: his life, his family, and the challenging road ahead," a spokesperson for Combs told Business Insider. "Commentators can weigh in, but history has proven he's never been one to count out." From criminal to family man A comeback for Combs may not be impossible. "If he'd been convicted on the more serious charges, there would be no point in even making an attempt to rehabilitate his image," Nierman said, but "if you look at what the convictions cover, there's no reason why he can't actually rebound from this." Part of the reason, he said, was that Combs' reputation never revolved around him being a "nice sweet guy." "He was the founder of Bad Boy Records, not Altar Boy Records," he added. Even Combs' defense attorneys painted the music tycoon as a "flawed" man with a violent side, arguing that domestic violence is not sex trafficking. Nierman pointed to the trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, in which both parties sued the other for defamation, as analogous. The trial revealed "really horrific things" and "really embarrassing details of messy lives," he said, "yet, when Johnny Depp got a good outcome in court, he was instantly able to jump back into Hollywood limelight." Depp is starring in the thriller "Day Drinker" that is set to be released later this year. Erasing the image of Combs as a sex-obsessed, violent abuser will be crucial, and replacing that image with one of a family man may be the best way forward, Nierman said. It's an image Combs may already be working on: His mother and children were often in court, showing their unwavering support, and he traded in his flashy bling and dark sunglasses for gray hair and sweaters, projecting an image of a run-of-the-mill dad. Combs' reaction in the aftermath of the verdict will also be key to any sort of revival, other experts say. "If he stays under the radar and attempts to run his businesses with a different figure heading his various companies, he can avoid further backlash," Camron Dowlatshahi, a Los Angeles entertainment attorney with Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP, said. It will never be a full recovery, though, he added. DiAntonio agreed, saying that if "Combs were to publicly gloat or position the verdict as a full exoneration, it would likely backfire." "This is not a time for celebration," he added. "Moving forward with humility, acknowledgment, and a visible commitment to change would be far more effective." Combs' supporters, however, would disagree. After the verdict was announced, people jailed with him at the federal detention center in Brooklyn greeted Combs with a standing ovation, while outside the courtroom, fans celebrated with cheers and — in a nod to the thousands of bottles found in Combs' homes — baby oil.
Fox News
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Elizabeth Hurley and Brooke Shields prove 'the bikini couldn't care less about your birth certificate': expert
Elizabeth Hurley and Brooke Shields are redefining 59 as they stunned in bikinis earlier this week. In photos and videos shared to Instagram, the actresses, who both turn 60 this year, flaunted their toned figures in skimpy two-piece swimsuits while on vacation. The "Blue Lagoon" star posted a trio of images in which she soaks up the sun while rocking a black and white two-piece. In a video Hurley uploaded, she played in the ocean waves as she sported a revealing taupe bikini embellished with gold chain links from her Elizabeth Hurley Beach swimwear line. Shields and Hurley are among the stars who are proving that "60 isn't a milestone; it's a mindset," according to PR and branding expert Eric Schiffer. "The bikini couldn't care less about your birth certificate," the Reputation Management Consultants chairman told Fox News Digital. "It's no longer about aging gracefully. It's about aging gloriously," he added. "Beauty doesn't fade; it evolves. When you look this good at 60, you redefine the meaning of prime." By putting their confidence on full display, Shields, Hurley and other stars "inspire many people to embrace each stage of life with style and grace," Schiffer said. "It reminds us that life doesn't end at 50 or 60. It accelerates," he added. Doug Eldridge of Achilles PR told Fox News Digital the celebrities were setting a positive example with their age-defying appearances. "Credit to these women — both for putting in the hard work to maintain this aesthetic at that age, and for having the self-confidence and positive body image; not only to pull it off, but to attempt it in the first place. In an era of sweeping mental health crises, this is a testament to self-confidence and an empowering sense of self," Eldridge said. Beverly Hills cosmetic dermatologist Jason Emer shared his opinion on how Shields, Hurley and other stars have maintained their youthful looks and fit physiques as they've aged. "The secret lies in a holistic approach to wellness and beauty," Emer said. "These women understand that maintaining a youthful appearance and vibrant health requires more than just good genes. It's a combination of cutting-edge medical aesthetics; a disciplined fitness regime; a clean, anti-inflammatory diet; and a focus on inner wellness." Emer noted the women were "investing in their healthspan, not just their lifespan." "They maintain muscle mass, prioritize collagen-boosting foods, incorporate biohacking techniques and take medical-grade supplements, all of which have a profound impact on their overall vitality and appearance," he said. "What sets them apart is their commitment to staying ahead of aging, taking preventative measures instead of waiting for the effects to show up." Emer noted that many stars who rose to fame in their youth are challenging aging stereotypes with their confidence. "Christie Brinkley, Elizabeth Hurley and others like them have completely shifted the narrative around aging," he said. "They're showing that aging doesn't mean decline, but rather it can represent a new chapter where one gains confidence, embraces wisdom and celebrates the beauty that comes with experience. "They're redefining what it means to age gracefully, focusing not on fighting aging, but thriving at any age," Emer added. "The traditional idea that youth is the only measure of beauty is being replaced with the understanding that beauty is timeless. Aging doesn't have to mean losing vibrancy; it's about gaining elegance and confidence." Over the years, many stars have revealed how they are flipping the script on aging into their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. Elizabeth Hurley previously shared some of her age-defying beauty and wellness secrets in a 2017 interview with The Cut. "People often ask me how you can look good as you age, and, for me, it's a couple of things," the "Austin Powers" star said. "You need to look after your skin. That's important. "You also have to look after your health," she added. "You can't look good if you're not healthy, and diet plays a big part. You can't smoke and have too much alcohol. We all get hard knocks in life, but it's important to stay positive and stay engaged and not be angry. Anger doesn't seem to go hand in hand with wellness." Brooke Shields, who rose to fame at the age of 12 when she played a child prostitute in the controversial 1978 movie "Pretty Baby" and became a household name at 15 after starring in 1980's "The Blue Lagoon," detailed her experience with aging in her 2025 memoir, "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old." During a January appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Shields shared that her book was inspired by an encounter with a man that left her "shocked." "I was at a cocktail party, and I was having a nice conversation with a gentleman, and he was sort of impressing me with his knowledge of wine, so I decided to talk about my vintage," the "Blue Lagoon" star said. "And I said, 'Oh, I'm 59,' and he said, 'I wish you didn't tell me that.'" Shields recalled that she was "shocked" by the man's remark, though she understood he had "a knee-jerk reaction." "In that one moment, he had to understand his age, he had to understand that I was no longer 'Blue Lagoon,' and all of it got put on its head," she said. "Unless you are a figure that sadly dies early, you don't stay frozen. And so it made me really start thinking of what we do, especially in this country, to women," Shields explained. "And then, for me, to be around this long but not be 15, and have people imprint on me at age 15, or maybe I was in their locker or their posters." The "Suddenly Susan" alum told Clarkson a fan expressed a similar sentiment while commenting during one of her Instagram Live videos. "I got one of the little notes that said, 'Wow, I wish you looked like the way you used to look,'" she said. "And I was like, 'Read the title of my book. Do you understand what you're doing culturally?'" While Shields asserted that the comments didn't bother her, she said she felt "offended for women who are not allowed to age gracefully." "You're either the sexy girl at the bar or you're in Depends, and there's no middle ground," Shields said. "I love this middle ground because I've earned it. "By the time you're 59, you start going, 'He he he, come on, bring it on, and I'm going to have fun.'" Last year, Christie Brinkley spoke about why she continues to share photos of herself in swimsuits. "I post these pictures because I hear from women my age all the time that say, 'Thank you for changing the way people think about the numbers,'" the former Sports Illustrated model told Fox News Digital in April 2024. "Back in the day, numbers represented something. I remember people thinking that, after 30, you should never wear your hair past your shoulders or your hemline needed to hover your knee caps. "I've always found those rules so limiting," she added. "Everybody's different, everybody's unique. But it's like telling a gymnast she can't do flips past a certain age. It doesn't make sense. If you've got great legs, show them. If there's something about yourself that you really love, celebrate that. Don't be controlled by those numbers." In February, Halle Berry launched her platform Respin, which aims to "redefine menopause and longevity, providing women with resources and support to navigate this life stage and feel their best," according to its website. During an interview on "Today," the Oscar winner shared her view on how women can feel empowered as they age. "We don't have to just fall off into obscurity when we hit 40," Berry said. "We have half of our life to still live." "We are really our best selves. We've worked our whole lives. We've raised our kids. Many of us have gotten to the top of our career," she continued. "It's not time to sit down. It's time to reinvent. "It's time to have a beautiful, glorious second act. We just need to know how." Salma Hayek has continued to showcase her age-defying looks in swimsuit photos she shares on social media. In a 2021 interview with People magazine, Hayek opened up about how her body image has changed over the years. "When I look at pictures of me in my 30s or in my 40s, I see myself more beautiful than I saw myself at the time," she told People magazine in 2020. "I used to criticize myself so much. "Now, when I look in the mirror and there are things that I don't see, I think about how much I'm going to like me in 10 years." Paulina Porizkova has frequently spoken out on social media about the pressure that women face as they age. In 2021, the model shared an Instagram photo of herself in a gold bikini and penned a lengthy caption in which she addressed phrases like "reverse aging" and "anti [aging]," which she noted were harmful because they are not possible to achieve. "Combat age. Reverse aging. Rejuvenate. Anti age. None of this is possible," she mused. "Yet, if you do an internet search on aging, this is what you'll get. Pills, potions and workouts to fight the aging process. You know what the only way to stop aging? Dying. "I do not want to fight myself everyday for the rest of my life," she added. "But I do want to make the best of what I was given. And I want to shine a bright light in the dark corners of the shame that is heaped on women for daring to age. "I can't change the world alone, but if you feel like I do, there are some amazing women here on IG that I get inspired by everyday. There are many many more, and inspirations for all different reasons, but for now I'm just picking those who are accepting their aging and making it beautiful." To celebrate turning 60 Wednesday, Porizkova posted a photo of herself in a blue bikini, writing, "Reached level 60 today! Grateful, inspired, full of joy and waaaay too busy enjoying it all to post more - for now. And THANK ALL OF YOU FOR THE BEST WISHES- I APPRECIATE THEM AND YOU SO MUCH! Back next week to share all the fun- but for now, I'm living it." "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Rinna continues to shine in her bikinis on Instagram despite some negative comments. In 2022, Rinna defended Porizkova on social media after an Instagram user called her "old and ugly" in a comment on her bikini post. Rinna fired back at the negative comment, posting an image of herself in a green bikini on her Instagram story and writing, "Paulina Porizkova posted a photo of herself in a bikini and she was called old and ugly for doing so." "Well I'm 58 and here is my 'old and ugly.'" The reality TV personality also celebrated her 59th birthday with bikini shots on Instagram. "Another trip around the Sun. This is 59," she captioned the images.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Will Smith is hoping for a comeback with new music, tour: ‘An album won't erase the slap,' expert says
Three years after his infamous slap,' Will Smith is hoping all is forgiven. The actor and rapper will drop his first album in 20 years, Based on a True Story, on March 28. Similar to a TV show, it will roll out in seasons, with the first one titled Rave in the Wasteland (R.I.T.W.), which he's described as a journey of healing, fun and celebration. The 14 tracks aren't called songs. Instead, they're 'episodes' and are a mix of previously released singles ('Beautiful Scars,' 'First Love') and new tracks and include collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, his son Jaden Smith, Teyana Taylor and others. It's probably no accident that the overall vibe — the music (presented with a TV theme), the presence of Jazzy Jeff and the Philadelphia Phillies jacket he's wearing on the album cover — is old-school Smith. After his Oscars meltdown in 2022, when he hit Chris Rock in front of 16.6 million viewers, it seems he's leaning into nostalgia to take people back to a simpler time — his early roots in the entertainment industry, when he shot to stardom on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. That is, before he became a major box office star, his marriage was tabloid fodder (the 'entanglement') and the slap. The rollout of Based on a True Story, which will include his first headlining tour in Europe, features many Fresh Prince references. Most notably, he's remade several classic show moments with co-star Tatyana Ali, including a famous dance scene. The cast has stayed friendly and Alfonso Ribeiro remains one of his pals, but promoting a 2025 album with nods to 1995 is a deliberate strategy: Smith is trying to take us back in time. That takes us to his use of social media, which he has leaned on heavily since the slap scandal to reconnect with fans and emphasize his playful side. In recent weeks, the 56-year-old, who has 78.8 million followers on TikTok and 69.6 million on Instagram, teamed up with content creators like Jordan Howlett and 'Lethal Shooter' Chris Matthews and buzzy celebrities like recent Grammy winner Doechii and soccer star Christian Pulisic to create viral moments and perhaps expand his audience (they're all much younger than Smith). He's done less traditional press. Think again if you think Smith is just improvising what he shares on social media — that he's just rolling around Hollywood with an iPhone and selfie stick. In fact, his social media campaign is highly orchestrated; a behind-the-scenes video Ali shared of the making of their 15-second video showed a room full of people participating in the shoot. Hey, it's better than having to talk about the slap over and over on the talk show circuit. But will it win back the fans that Smith — who was once a truly likable star and box office gold — may have alienated? 'The nostalgia campaign screams 'I peaked decades ago,'' Eric Schiffer, a PR expert and chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, told Yahoo Entertainment. 'Fresh Prince is iconic, but leaning on it now feels like Will saying, 'Remember when I was likable?'' Yes, Smith is allowed to move on professionally from the Oscars scandal. He's accepted his punishment and (sort of) apologized. But what is he supposed to do — hide in his $42 million Calabasas, Calif., mansion and practice his signature laugh all day? 'If he wanted redemption, he should've dropped a sincere apology, not a playlist,' Schiffer said. 'An album won't erase the slap — it's like trying to patch a trainwreck with Scotch tape.' Schiffer thinks the public sees through 'TikTok stunts,' saying, 'Virality doesn't equal redemption.' He thinks Smith is 'acting like a TikTok dad who doesn't know when to log off,' which comes off a bit 'out-of-touch.' That said, 'Will's goodwill isn't gone,' said Schiffer. 'It's buried in deep earth under skepticism. Public grace is earned through sustained humility and effort.' Schiffer thinks Smith 'should focus on being a better person instead of tricking people into liking him again. He needs to focus on vulnerability — show growth and humanity beyond the slap. Engage in philanthropy that resonates with his values. Stay away from flashy PR stunts — they feel insincere.' He suggests, 'Stop trying so hard' and 'avoid [using] nostalgia as a crutch.' Smith told Billboard in January that he envisions Based on a True Story as three albums that will be released throughout 2025 — which shows he's confident that people will buy his music. The first, R.I.T.W., is 'about the idea of learning to dance in your darkest moment' with tracks he 'wrote directly after the Oscars.' Part two, tentatively titled The Gift of Madness, is expected in June and the final one is set for release at the end of the year. He told Billboard that he's starting his tour outside the U.S. as a way to get in shape. "My dream is to work my way into a stadium tour. I'll probably do arenas this year and next year to see [if] can I build a big enough, exciting enough show to require a stadium run.' It's a big undertaking for someone who has never headlined a tour. He's been honing his craft though, including doing performances in U.S. venues in recent months. Smith may have laid low after the Oscars debacle, but he's been inching back into the spotlight for some time. In February, he presented at the Grammy Awards and he performed at the BET Awards in June 2024. He's also released two high-profile film projects — 2022's Emancipation and 2024's Bad Boys 2: Ride or Die, which was a huge box office success — and did press for both. But the biggest way he's kept connected with his fans has been through social media — and it's worked. He is one of TikTok's most-followed stars (up over 4 million since January). We'll soon see if those followers become streamers of this album.
Express Tribune
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Oscars 2025: PR experts anticipate ratings and backlash amid 'most toxic season in a decade"
The 2025 Oscars has become one of the most controversial in history, with public frustration at celebrities, social media scandals, and AI concerns dominating the conversation. Speaking to The U.S. Sun, Eric Schiffer, chair of Reputation Management Consultants, described the level of negativity as 'nuclear.' This awards season has been marked by multiple controversies, including resurfaced blackface scandals, racial commentary, and questions over diversity and inclusion. Best Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón faced backlash over past social media posts about Islam, George Floyd, and diversity, while Fernanda Torres and Zoe Saldana were criticised for blackface controversies. Torres has since issued an apology. AI in filmmaking has also fueled debate. Critics have called for Best Picture nominee The Brutalist to be disqualified over AI use, which director Brady Corbet clarified. Photo: Venice Film Festival Schiffer warned that the increasing negativity could impact the future of the Academy Awards, stating, 'Will the Oscars ratings get destroyed, or will it attract in ways that people had never imagined?' Further uncertainty surrounds the Best Actress race, where Demi Moore remains the frontrunner, but Gascón's chances appear to have collapsed following the controversy. She skipped the Oscar nominees' dinner but is expected to attend the ceremony. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Academy CEO Bill Kramer stated, "Karla's nomination is historic. That's really important. She's still a nominee. We honor that, but we do not condone hate speech.' adding that, "If Karla joins us for the night, I hope there is an air of respect." Photo: AFP The Oscars 2025, which will mark the 97th edition of the Academy Awards, is under scrutiny as public perception of Hollywood shifts. Journalist Raymond Arroyo told Fox News, 'They feel this is the end of the Oscars in some ways.' With political and industry tensions rising, this year's ceremony could define the future of Hollywood's biggest night.
