STUMBLING STARS
Picking up your celebrity client after a fall

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When a celebrity stumbles publicly, playing Monday morning quarterback is the easy part. After all, most celebrity watchers have been buzzing over convicted shoplifter Winona Ryder's proposal to auction off the stolen stuff for charity. Or what about Scott Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots rocker and father, whose battle with drugs has nourished the tabloids for months?

Let's face it. Stuff happens. And it can happen to any of us! But, when it happens to newsmakers, the road to public recovery is a slippery slope. So what do you do to get your star back on track? For starters, don't overreact. As crisis guru Rick Ammes puts it; "The dogs will bark, but the parade marches on." In other words, determine the scope of the problem before gushing at the mouth.

HAVE A PLAN
Brainstorm with experienced pros before talking to the press. Then, get some good media training to handle the questions coming at you.

APPROPRIATE APOLOGY
If you're wrong, admit it and apologize quickly, but not so strongly that your apology overshadows the original incident.

SINCERITY COUNTS
Saying "I'm sorry" doesn't mean squat if the public doesn't believe you. Show you are remorseful by acting remorseful and apologize to fans for letting them down.

COMMUNITY CAUSES
Lead a cause or do something for the community to re-focus attention on the positive.

TEACH OTHERS
Stop wallowing in self-pity and help others who have made the same mistakes.

GET HELP
Seek counseling or treatment.

Finally, hire a great attorney! You'll probably need one.

 

Karen Friedman brings 20 years of on-air television experience to media and communications training and consulting. Her Philadelphia area company, Karen Friedman Enterprises prepares people to take advantage of media interviews, presentations and public appearances. Friedman is a frequent speaker and can be reached at: 610-292-9780 or through her website at www.karenfriedman.com .

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