Like rubbernecking to see a bad accident on the road is reading bad press about celebrities. I loathe hearing about Lindsey Lohan‘s neglected teeth, courtroom verdicts, rehab stints, and broken commitments. Yet, I have to admit that I actually take the time to click the link, cringe at the pictures, and read about her hot mess. This leads me to stroke my chin and ponder that ol’ saying in PR: “All publicity is good publicity.”
Is it?
Publicity is promotion (in a nutshell). Although, Lindz may be getting attention and keeping her name in the news (she has her own section in ABCnews.com for crying out loud), she is certainly not promoting her self-image effectively. From an amateur’s deductions, I say no. All publicity is NOT good publicity. Though, it does serve the purpose of keeping one’s image current.
Bottom line: Bad press does not impress.
What is it though about the celebrity gossip “machine” that perpetuates this phenomenon? Clearly, the negative publicity doesn’t seem to be in Lindsay’s best interest, but it’s not like (seemingly?) she does much to shy away from the all the attention. Is “bad” publicity what sells? Do we actually care when Lindsay is not a train wreck?
Bad publicity definitely sells, but to little benefit of the targeted celebrity. I think the public would rally behind Lindsay if she made a proper comeback and started acting again. I think we all love the train wreck in other people’s lives (maybe to forget about our own), but we also have a desire to see the underdog win. We may not be interested in Lindsay going on mundane outings, but I bet the public would rally behind her if she started getting good movie roles and stopped partying (for the 10th and last time). Britney Spears was able to bounce back from horrible press by laying low for awhile. I’m also reminded of Drew Barrymore and Robert Downey Jr. Both used PR to change their images around after making changes in their life. Time can heal negative media attention and the public is willing to forgive. Meanwhile, the “machine” keeps cranking, and we keep buying.
“Meanwhile, the “machine” keeps cranking, and we keep buying.”
Great line.
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What happened to Lindsey? I clicked on this story too when I saw it. Mean Girls was such a funny movie. She has gone down hill fast since then.