The $18 million PR stunt

The world is in mourning. How could this be happening? Theirs was a love that should have lasted. Right? Of course not. Kim Kardashian filed for divorce this morning, ending speculation to the rumours that the "American Royal Wedding" was nothing more than a publicity stunt. A great one for her, mind you, allowing to her cash in on her wedding photos for a rumoured $18 million.


Her publicist is likely pulling out her hair that the reality-star has ended her whirlwind 10-week marriage to basketball player Kris Humphries. While there are likely some that doubt this was a sham marriage, this is a woman who has made her empire by becoming famous for her publicity.

• Along came the sex tape – A star is born

• Keeping Up with the Kardashians airs on E! network, following the lives of her and her sisters while they date famous men and make silly faces. It has been on for 7 seasons (This is why you don’t get nice things, Americans)

• Dates exclusively famous men, typically athletes

• “Designer,” entrepreneur, Mastercard maker – Kashing in on anything/everything



So my question is this: Why do people care? This story is a top news item on many legitimate news sites along with gossip blogs.

Do you care? Tell us why.

Is this the most lucrative publicity stunt in recent history? Do we have a new J.Lo or Elizabeth Taylor, or just a new Paris Hilton?

Top four Celebrity PR Blunders of 2011

The land of Hollywood is a tumultuous one. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down and if you’re lucky you’re somewhere in between. The public scrutiny on celebrities is intense; and unfortunately not everybody can maintain a squeaky-clean image.

Here are four celebrity PR blunders, and what we can learn from them as PR practitioners …

LINDSAY LOHAN

WHY: Because her countless court dates and failure to observe community service punishments have de-railed her once promising career as an upcoming starlet.

PR LESSON: Don’t make the same mistake twice (or more)! Lohan’s continuous appearances in court and blasé attitude towards the California legal system have put her in the gossip columns week after week, and discredited her work as an actress. Showing that you take legal incidences seriously may help you to return to public favour.

CHARLIE SHEEN

WHY: Because his wacky appearances and antics earlier this spring cost him a job, and a reputation.

PR LESSON: Know when to talk, and when to stop. Or at least make sure that you are well prepared for an interview. Tiger-blood, bi-winning and referring to yourself as a drug may have become part of contemporary vocabulary for two weeks; but it cost him the staring role on Two and a Half Men.

JOHN GALLIANO

WHY: Former head designer of legendary French fashion house, Dior, was over heard making obscene, racist comments at a Parisian restaurant.

PR LESSON: You never know who might be listening, so always be respectful. Galliano’s thoughtless comments cost him a job, celebrity endorsements and disappointed many who had come to respect him in the fashion industry.

HEIDI AND SPENCER PRATT

WHY: Because their paparazzi photos are so obviously staged that they sensationalized themselves.

PR LESSON: Make yourself newsworthy. Staging a beach photo shoot or interviews about botox leaves the press with very little to write about, making thoughtful commentary or using their media power for something productive may have given them a chance for more long running fame.