#pr analysis

[maybeweshould]

Possible scenarios for a new narrative.

I will start with the fact that it all depends on many factors that are not known to us. I wrote about what is happening right now here and here and a little bit here. But what may happen and how the narrative will be received is not known yet. Press and media for now are creating drama- H is giving content (as he should), but laying low- don't expect clear statements or anything like that. They're using situation for obvious reasons- also as they should. Controlling the narrative and putting the focus on him is smart move with recent pics- he's alone to steal attention, not to distance himself from Olivia (yet).

Harry's team has allowed her to control the narrative for too long already, thought she would just hang herself with whatever she put out. However, in this case that’s not going to happen- the drama actually will push his team to do what they need to do, because it directly raises the issue of Harry's image on a large scale- the whole GP is looking at OJ and H at this point.

But what will happen it really depends on:

1. their plans for the future as a couple (real or not),

2. H's image,

3. if custody case will be dirty or not,

4. GP's reaction.

Of course the fact that something is said in the press, that is not always true. The narrative must fit what they want to achieve. I also said that when it comes to a possible breakup, it must be a moment that will suit both of them and both of them will benefit from it somehow.

The release of the album and the tour were supposed to be the dates that would eventually change the narrative. Well, the spectacle of delivering court documents will surely speed things up and and even some things will have to be sooner or later clarified. So let's check the facts and situation for HO:

H:

as far as we know it is May 20 - album release. events possibly around that date include a new single, listening party, probably promoting concerts like One Night Only (we already know the dates and locations), interviews, TV programs, and more festival-type performances and regular tour (rehearsals)

O:

As for Olivia, I only know that Ted Lasso soon will be over, which means Jason and the kids will be in New York.

The case is- finally at some point- we will have schedule, lifestyle and location conflict- which will change the narrative. O will not move to London in my opinion- she can't, because then she won’t see the kids (considering custody thing- it's important), and surely Jason won’t let her drag them back and forth. H will not move to New York for sure. Possible option is LA. Rumor has it that he does not want it. Besides, he will practically not be present at all, because of a tour. (It's a light in a tunnel)

So while they're creating a drama- they are also checking people's reactions. If GP will be on Olivia's side- H will be a 'supportive boyfriend'. BUT let's say the GP will not like her, and think H is homewrecker, then Harrys image TPWK/golden boy/ success narrative is tarnished and they H team will react. An attempt to save that was Olivias team putting out 'oh he’s so supportive'. Because she really backed him up into a corner. Smart. However H's team is going to lay low until the album comes out, and just focus on that being the priority. But that after the album is out? H will need to sit with his team and make some decisions. Because they either:

1. Can’t keep ignoring the relationship- 'supportive boyfriend' narrative, a little bit more openly. It might benefit him too to sell the authenticity since he discussed in that bhg interview how he is trying to be better at his relationships

2. Have to end it, but slowly.

a) now if he does leave, she can still say the white-feminist “all men are against me” narrative. If he left her during the tour- she could play the victim (which she would gain in the process for custody), and he would get rid of the TPWK.

If they choose this scenario, it must happen later anyway. Not now and only after the album will be released.

OR:

b) they can end the relationship amicably by giving specific reasons such as: lack of time because the tour and he couldn't be enough supporter of hers and he is letting Olivie spent this 'hard' time with kids or she chooses the children's good and not a love.

Before I posted possible scenarios from a PR perspective, I consulted it with a person who has own PR company in Warsaw, and another person who works in LA said exactly what I did. But remember- these are just narrative scenarios. The narrative may change depending on the course of events. Media narrative is not real life and facts. The narrative is not the same as what happens behind the scenes.

[nostalgicphile]

People often forget that this is very true for celebrities "Interactions between David and Gillian on Twitter are not so David and Gillian can communicate; they are for everyone else who watches them communicate." I think the course correction of "acknowledging" the tweet later was pretty good - it satisfied "their" fans. I would hate to handle either of their social media accounts, the awful things that get tweeted to them require some serious kitty eye bleach.

A lot has been made of the “David f*cking Duchvony” bit being a nod to Gillian, but my gut says David has been on this joke for a long while now. (Also, I don’t see it ending any time soon…yikes.)

And lol on the “kitty eye bleach”! Yes, it’s atrocious but I think I could handle it. ;)

[nostalgicphile]

Cate could you please do a PR point of view on this whole thing of her promoting his stuff and he never does it to her? I don't know what it looks like from the perspective of your field. Do you think it might stem from the same stuff where he compliments her with these sweet things in interviews and has never mentioned them to her ever even in private? Maybe it's a guy's thing, and I'm a woman so I'm more intuned to the feelings of others and want them to know right away when I appreciate them.

Thank you for this ask! 

David and Gillian have both have really successful careers since The X-Files. But with so many people discovering (or rediscovering) TXF through Netflix and the revival, they are currently heavily intertwined from a public relations perspective. This is something they’ve also nurtured with their broad displays of affection and Twitter shenanigans. 

I am not suggesting everyone who loves David must love Gillian or that all his fans came out of TXF. But PR-wise, lots of people love to see them getting along. It’s not just us…look at the mainstream coverage that came out of a couple of pecks at The Cutting Room. Look at the fucking Washington Post speculating about they are a couple or not. There is something magical about them together - on and off the screen - and they know that. They acknowledge that. They exploit that. And rightfully so! If I were in their shoes, I’d PR it to death too. 

Now you have a situation where many fans are invested in them….and David and Gillian have helped make that happen. It makes sense from a PR perspective to consistently treat each other well in public. It looks good for both of them. With that in mind, do I think Gillian tweeted about David’s book to make herself look good? No. I think she was sincere. But look at people’s reaction to her tweet: ”Aw, she’s such a good friend.” Gillian knows how to play the game. She is consistent. She may have a good social media person to stay on top of her Twitter activity, but it looks good for her, for David and for the future of the show (if they want more XF) when she supports him. 

David’s non-response, however, didn’t look good. He doesn’t follow that many people, so chances are strong he saw her tweet. He’s interacted with other celebrities on Twitter before. I believe he saw it and chose to ignore it. 

See, that’s the thing about David….he’s a bit contrary. He doesn’t want this ‘crazy Twitter fan’ Gillovny contingent to dictate how he’s going to behave with Gillian or anyone else. But this ‘fuck you, weirdos’ attitude isn’t of benefit to him. If I were David’s PR manager, I would tell him to retweet what Gillian sent out with a “thank you!” AND send something out in support of Streetcar. This wouldn’t really be for Gillian’s benefit…her fans are very dedicated and the show is almost sold out. This would make DAVID look good and reinforce favour for him with fans. 

Now, I know people have argued David isn’t comfortable with social media and I suspect that’s true. That’s why you hire people to do some of this shit for you - as Gillian does. I highly doubt Gillian has notifications on when David tweets. But someone on her team does. 

Interactions between David and Gillian on Twitter are not so David and Gillian can communicate; they are for everyone else who watches them communicate. That’s why the “Oh, David probably did the adult thing and just called or texted her to thank her” argument is bullshit to me. I have absolutely no doubt that he sent her a text or picked up the phone to thank her for her support. Quite honestly, I doubt Gillian’s gives a rat’s ass that he didn’t acknowledge her on Twitter. But it is still in David’s best interest to be gracious, to treat Gillian well, and certainly to publicly acknowledge her support on Twitter. David needs to embrace that his interactions with Gillian impact his public persona - whether he likes it or not.