I’ve been amazed at the amount of coverage given to the outburst trifecta – rapper Kanye West, tennis pro Serena Williams, and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC).
The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News, “The View” were a few of the many outlets paying editorial homage to these stories. As I listen and read the many stories, I wonder, “What PR counsel would I give them?” I posed this question to social networks and friends.
The most common suggestion was to “simply keep quiet and let the media storm blow over.” Several PR counselors commented that “the West outburst may have been a media ploy,” which would change the response. Overwhelmingly, most felt this is not a good strategy.
Peter Himler, principal, Flatiron Communications, says via Twitter, “Kanye needs media training. Too big of an ego? Didn’t he plan what he wanted to say before this appearance on Leno? Unlike A-list execs, A-list celebs often feel they’re above communications training. (Their handlers also don’t have temerity to prevail.)”
Lee Clouse, management and marketing operations, Creating Connections, writes, “A magnanimous gesture would help out all three by providing positive time in the limelight. Joe Wilson needs to get behind some bipartisan legislation to show that his country is more important than his party. Serena should do an interview talking about sports figures as role models that does not excuse bad behavior as “competitiveness.” She probably has the easiest road of the three. Kanye? Yikes–he just bullied America’s sweetheart. Probably the best thing he can do is blame it on alcohol and check into rehab. Introduce him at the CMA awards, give him a mic and let Taylor interrupt him for a laugh.”
Rick Sheehy, freelance communications and marketing expert, Communications Freelance, sums it up, “In short, apologize, show remorse and then show you can keep quite.”
You can read all the great advice in the LinkedIn PR answers section.
Do you have any PR advice for the outburst trifecta and the readers of BurrellesLuce Fresh Ideas?
You have to wonder how much damage control is possible when the incident
clearly was heartfelt no matter how embarassing.How do you accept the outburst beyond rude and ever feel the same about Kayne? I have heard comments wondering if it was racially motivated. Regardless many will never
see Kayne in quite the same light.
BC,
You raise a great point, and one I wasn’t sure how to fully address. You have to know this incident will be brought up over and over again. Maybe if he follows some of the advice we have offered, he could possibly win some fans back.
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