Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson

269: The Fine Line Between Apology and Denial: A Case Study of Colleen Ballinger and Matt Rife

November 28, 2023 www.mollymcpherson.com/podcast
269: The Fine Line Between Apology and Denial: A Case Study of Colleen Ballinger and Matt Rife
Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson
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Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson
269: The Fine Line Between Apology and Denial: A Case Study of Colleen Ballinger and Matt Rife
Nov 28, 2023
www.mollymcpherson.com/podcast

Apologies, denials, and online disasters. Molly is breaking down the Matt Rife and Colleen Ballinger PR crisis. 

This episode is all about perception management. As soon as the backlash starts, every subsequent step needs to be calculated. Often, this fine line between apology and denial can alter reputations and determine careers' trajectory in a blink. 

These three key takeaways:

1. Exploring the anatomy of an apology, and what happens when it's done wrong, using Colleen Ballinger as our case study. Molly discusses how her previous behavior led to a backlash, how she responded to it, and how effective (or not) her response was.
   
2. Looking at "Bro humor" with Matt Rife. Molly dissects how he handled the backlash towards a controversial joke he threw out there and the marketing tactics he's using to survive it.

3. Understanding the differences in their responses - from Ballinger's rebranding strategy to Rife's doubling down. Who’s approach will work in the long run? There are predictions to be made and lessons to be learned. 




More from Molly McPherson:

© 2024 Indestructible PR Podcast

Show Notes Chapter Markers

Apologies, denials, and online disasters. Molly is breaking down the Matt Rife and Colleen Ballinger PR crisis. 

This episode is all about perception management. As soon as the backlash starts, every subsequent step needs to be calculated. Often, this fine line between apology and denial can alter reputations and determine careers' trajectory in a blink. 

These three key takeaways:

1. Exploring the anatomy of an apology, and what happens when it's done wrong, using Colleen Ballinger as our case study. Molly discusses how her previous behavior led to a backlash, how she responded to it, and how effective (or not) her response was.
   
2. Looking at "Bro humor" with Matt Rife. Molly dissects how he handled the backlash towards a controversial joke he threw out there and the marketing tactics he's using to survive it.

3. Understanding the differences in their responses - from Ballinger's rebranding strategy to Rife's doubling down. Who’s approach will work in the long run? There are predictions to be made and lessons to be learned. 




More from Molly McPherson:

© 2024 Indestructible PR Podcast

Podcast topics based on social media trends
Podcast explores intense scrutiny and interest
Dana Carvey's tragic loss makes him reconsider
Backlash sparked due to specific domestic violence joke
TikTok stars sell out venues, not main stage. Negative response to non-apology tweet
Sexuality discussions crossed line, inappropriate allegations. Victims named, vocal since 2020. Video response
Video addressed wrong behavior, lacked explicit apology
Video release coincides with Taylor Swift controversy
No remorse, after views and money gain
Audience understanding crucial for effective communication
Sincere acknowledgment in crisis communication is essential