Molly McPherson
Molly McPherson
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297: From Voicemails to PR Moves: The Battle Between Lively, Baldoni, and Reynolds
In this explosive episode, we delve into a Hollywood controversy grabbing headlines after a simple voicemail reignited the full-blown power struggle between Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds. Molly reveals how Reynolds' carefully crafted public image might be cracking under the pressure of mounting allegations and legal battles between his wife and Justin Baldoni.
Listen to several key developments in this unfolding drama:
• Reynolds' strategic public appearances and speeches suggest a calculated effort to maintain narrative control despite growing controversy
• Blake Lively's position within her high-profile marriage comes under scrutiny as allegations of control and influence surface
• Justin Baldoni emerges as an unlikely hero in this David vs. Goliath narrative, potentially transforming his career through the controversy
• Parallels emerge between this real-world drama and themes from Colleen Hoover's fictional works, particularly regarding domestic dynamics
• The implications of this scandal promise to reshape Hollywood's power structure and how celebrity PR crises are managed going forward
Join Molly on Substack (prbreakdown.substack.com/) for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive weekly live sessions!
Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Her high-energy keynotes blend edge-of-your-seat PR war stories with actionable communication strategies that resonate with leaders, communicators, and teams alike. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting (www.mollymcpherson.com/speaking) .
Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:

• TikTok: @mollybmcpherson (www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson)
• Substack: prbreakdown.substack.com/ (patreon.com/mollymcpherson)
• Connect with Molly: pillar.io/mollymcpherson (pillar.io/mollymcpherson)
© 2025 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
Переглядів: 14 223

Відео

296: Takeaways from Trump's Inaugural Address: Key Highlights You Can't Miss
Переглядів 730День тому
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, diving into Donald Trump’s second inaugural address and breaking down the PR strategies, rhetorical moves, and media messages woven throughout. From the decision to move the ceremony indoors to Trump’s subdued, teleprompter-driven delivery, the address was a masterclass in image-conscious storytelling. He leaned heavily into his narrative as the avenging her...
295: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is Bad in a Crisis. Here's Why
Переглядів 3,4 тис.14 днів тому
The episode examines the mismanagement of communication during the recent LA wildfires, focusing on Mayor Karen Bass's absence during the crisis and the subsequent erosion of public trust. Key lessons in crisis communication emphasize the need for transparency, empathy, and accountability from leaders facing critical situations. • Analysis of Mayor Bass's timeline during the wildfires • Discuss...
294: Behind the Spin: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the High-Stakes PR Showdown
Переглядів 43 тис.21 день тому
Amid the glamorous yet ruthless world of Hollywood, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni find themselves embroiled in a high-profile legal battle stemming from the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, “It Ends With Us.” The episode explores the tangled web of celebrity relations, PR strategies, and serious allegations of misconduct that threaten to overshadow their professional endeavors and alter ...
Year in Review: 2024's Disasters, Recoveries, and Lessons Learned
Переглядів 647Місяць тому
You’re about to get a front-row seat to the top PR crises for 2024. Molly McPherson, together with crisis pros Warren Weeks and John Perenack from the Reputation Town podcast, dig into the major PR disasters in 2024. We’re talking about all those PR meltdown moments of 2024 that had everyone asking, “What were they thinking?” This isn’t just another highlight reel-you’ll see exactly why these s...
293: Year in Review: 2024's Disasters, Recoveries, and Lessons Learned
Переглядів 355Місяць тому
They’re back and ready to dissect the year’s biggest communications fiascos. I’m joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenack, my Candian colleagues in crisis behind the Reputation Town podcast, to break down 2024’s most cringe-worthy PR disasters. We’re talking about brand meltdowns, public figures who just couldn’t keep it together, and major corporations fumbling their way through social backlas...
292: Breaking Down Jay-Z’s PR Strategy In His Statement Denying Allegations
Переглядів 1,4 тис.Місяць тому
Is Jay-Z truly a victim? Or is this a masterful PR strategy? This episode analyzes Jay-Z’s bold statement denying recent allegations and the strategy behind his fiery words. Hear how Jay-Z frames the accusations as absurd and meritless while directly aiming at attorney Tony Buzbee in a battle of wits and egos. It also looks at Beyonce’s PR strategy and speculates on how the couple might handle ...
290: Silent vs. Vocal: Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia's Breakup PR Battle
Переглядів 5372 місяці тому
The Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chicken Fry" LaPaglia breakup has become a masterclass in contrasting PR strategies, pitting traditional celebrity discretion against modern social media transparency. As country music star Bryan maintains careful control through cryptic messages and measured statements, Barstool Sports personality LaPaglia takes the opposite approach, sharing raw, emotional details ...
289: TikTok's Pajama Drama and Entitlement: A PR and Psychology Breakdown
Переглядів 2052 місяці тому
On this revealing episode of The PR Breakdown, diving deep into the psychology of entitlement and its impact on both social media and real-world interactions. The analysis begins with the recent TikTok controversy surrounding influencers Cecily and Samantha Bachman, whose launch of $98 holiday pajamas sparked intense public criticism and led to a problematic apology that only fueled further bac...
288: The Perfect Mess: Martha Stewart's Documentary Damage Control
Переглядів 1 тис.2 місяці тому
Martha Stewart's Netflix documentary unpacks her biggest PR battles and delivers a masterclass in reputation repair. From that infamous CBS salad interview to the $45,000 ImClone stock trade that sent shockwaves through her empire, the documentary reveals the real story behind Martha's headlines. Learn how her lawyers' tight-lipped strategy backfired, why she stopped dating Anthony Hopkins, and...
287: Election PR Showdown: Campaign Predictions with the Guys from the Reputation Town Podcast
Переглядів 2222 місяці тому
It's a special episode featuring Molly's conversation with Canadian PR experts Warren Weeks and John Perenack from the Reputation Town podcast. Just days before the 2024 presidential election, they break down the most talked-about PR moves and media strategies shaping this historic race. Episode Highlights • Analysis of Trump's McDonald's publicity stunt in Pennsylvania • The "garbage" rhetoric...
286: Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spo...
Переглядів 1433 місяці тому
Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spotlight This week’s PR Breakdown Live episode on Patreon takes a deep dive into celebrity relationships, loyalty, and the challenges of managing public perception. With Dr. Abby Metcalf joining as a special guest, this lively discussion covers how fame and success impact high-profile relationships, what d...
285: The 3 Questions You MUST Ask Before Speaking to Any Reporter
Переглядів 1703 місяці тому
This episode of The PR Breakdown explores whether individuals and organizations should always respond to reporters' inquiries. She presents a nuanced view of media engagement, highlighting key considerations before agreeing to an interview. The episode outlines three critical questions to guide this decision. The episode includes real-life anecdotes from Molly's work and stresses the importance...
284: The Risks and Realities of a 100% Denial Strategy
Переглядів 2173 місяці тому
284: The Risks and Realities of a 100% Denial Strategy
283: Low Places, High Stakes: Garth Brooks’ PR Crisis Amid Assault Allegations
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 місяці тому
283: Low Places, High Stakes: Garth Brooks’ PR Crisis Amid Assault Allegations
282: Scandal Season: Why September Sparks Media, Celebrity, and Political Firestorms
Переглядів 3343 місяці тому
282: Scandal Season: Why September Sparks Media, Celebrity, and Political Firestorms
281: Scandal, Power, and Abuse: RFK Jr., Sean Combs, and Muhammad Al-Fayed
Переглядів 4974 місяці тому
281: Scandal, Power, and Abuse: RFK Jr., Sean Combs, and Muhammad Al-Fayed
280: The Hidden Meanings Behind Kate Middleton's Cancer Journey Video
Переглядів 1,2 тис.4 місяці тому
280: The Hidden Meanings Behind Kate Middleton's Cancer Journey Video
279: How Travis Kelce’s PR Team Turned A Fake Breakup Into A Win
Переглядів 5164 місяці тому
279: How Travis Kelce’s PR Team Turned A Fake Breakup Into A Win
278: Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake
Переглядів 2164 місяці тому
278: Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake
277: The Inside Scoop: The Day I Became a Boston Globe Headline
Переглядів 464 місяці тому
277: The Inside Scoop: The Day I Became a Boston Globe Headline
276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years
Переглядів 604 місяці тому
276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years
275: Allegedly Series: Behind the Headlines Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez
Переглядів 2194 місяці тому
275: Allegedly Series: Behind the Headlines Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez
274: The Future of Public Relations: A Conversation with PRSA's Michelle Egan
Переглядів 394 місяці тому
274: The Future of Public Relations: A Conversation with PRSA's Michelle Egan
273: 2023's Unforgettable Celebrity Scandals: A Year in Review
Переглядів 2294 місяці тому
273: 2023's Unforgettable Celebrity Scandals: A Year in Review
272: Behind the Broadcast: Expert Tips for a Memorable Media Interview
Переглядів 164 місяці тому
272: Behind the Broadcast: Expert Tips for a Memorable Media Interview
271: 2023's Biggest Public Relations Fiascos: A Year in Review
Переглядів 594 місяці тому
271: 2023's Biggest Public Relations Fiascos: A Year in Review
270: Thin Ice: When Personal Conduct Comes Into Play - Navigating Crisis and Rumors in the Chicag...
Переглядів 94 місяці тому
270: Thin Ice: When Personal Conduct Comes Into Play - Navigating Crisis and Rumors in the Chicag...
269: The Fine Line Between Apology and Denial: A Case Study of Colleen Ballinger and Matt Rife
Переглядів 274 місяці тому
269: The Fine Line Between Apology and Denial: A Case Study of Colleen Ballinger and Matt Rife

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @valenciacuttriss4259
    @valenciacuttriss4259 8 хвилин тому

    I believe this had to happen as too many people have been destroyed by the Me Too movement. Plus the BS that happens in Hollywood by AListers who are employed to act and not do anything else. The way staff is bullied and treated by all these AListers who don’t see that these are people and not slaves. There should be changes to stop this happening and with JB court case it may stop there. Be kind you movie stars you need these behind the scene workers to make you look good.

  • @stevec1945
    @stevec1945 Годину тому

    Not just that RR is controlling but by pushing BL to demand more control over a pic thus broadening her status as a "player" he ups his own status. BL is only A-list by association to RR, she is not in the league of other women who are respected actors who can helm or start big projects (few women are). What a feather in his cap to have a wife with such influence (who he can then exert influence over).

  • @JB-sh5hp
    @JB-sh5hp 9 годин тому

    If you really think about it, Blake filed the wrong lawsuit against the wrong person. Should’ve been a divorce lawsuit against her own husband.

  • @barujhashem8
    @barujhashem8 13 годин тому

    Bñake lively and rysn reynolds are the same.

  • @HeretoWatchandEnjoytheTea
    @HeretoWatchandEnjoytheTea 17 годин тому

    Born right at the end of Gen X (husband always calls me a Xennial), so I am younger than Ryan. I used the period, double space for years. It wasn't until I started writing professionally that I switched to period, single space. The daily requests also seemed more formal and didn't follow the usual syntax Blake had used in previous texts. I caught that as well.

  • @theshizzleshow6181
    @theshizzleshow6181 20 годин тому

    This was very interesting from a PR perspective; and also very affirming because I came to these same theories on my own based on all the writings and evidence. And I think most of the public who is interested did too. Although I do think Blake is a monster. She’s definitely emotionally abused by Ryan but it will take a lot of soul searching for her to ever regain any respect as an actress and person. Because from what I’ve seen, she is not kind to people. Love this perspective though and I think as the public we should all be very interested in learning how different narratives are formed and how certain “information” machines like the media, social media, television, internet , and powerful forces behind them, attempt to brain wash us because they think we are stupid. lol

  • @song4mozart
    @song4mozart День тому

    Painting Blake as a victim is wrong on so many levels. She has acted as an entitled snotty brat for decades. Also, her family is the powerhouse behind the scenes, not Ryan. You didn't even mention her family.

  • @debrawatson456
    @debrawatson456 День тому

    really interesting, thank you.

  • @edvinlee5
    @edvinlee5 День тому

    The public's trust in the Media and News outlets is at an all time low. Them doubling down on the wrong side, is more tone deaf than BL. Unless she has a smoking gun that proves us all wrong. I can imagine youtube and Tik Tok creators surpassing and taking them over soon.

  • @nairobichik
    @nairobichik День тому

    Kate is such a fraud. A mediocre woman from Reading who manipulated her way to marry a hopeless prince living off taxpayer's money. Some of us are not fooled by all this expensive PR nonsense. Kate and William should start doing real work to earn their keep just like millions of other British taxpayers do.

  • @SaltyPatriot12
    @SaltyPatriot12 День тому

    ABC is terribly bias in all aspects on ALL topics but we don’t want to hear you advocate for Juju or care about your personal opinion on their bias.

  • @SouthFloridaThrifter
    @SouthFloridaThrifter 2 дні тому

    wow. you deleted my comment about Depphead justice being organic? and other Deppheads chiming in and agreeing? I like your podcast anyway💜🐰🏴‍☠️

  • @crissv9102
    @crissv9102 2 дні тому

    You think Hugh and Sutton are gay?? Well I think you are!! Is that absurd?? Yeah so please shut up ,you know nothing .

    • @debb6642
      @debb6642 6 годин тому

      What a silly comment said by a tacky troll

  • @lilij1915
    @lilij1915 2 дні тому

    Yess “he underestimated Baldoni’s willingness to fight back”

  • @SunShine-qk4rb
    @SunShine-qk4rb 2 дні тому

    Loved this breakdown

  • @sambenson8288
    @sambenson8288 2 дні тому

    Justice for Justin

  • @AuntLALA
    @AuntLALA 2 дні тому

    This has me 🍿 🚬 I cant get enough of the breakdowns 😂

  • @ivegotsomethoughts
    @ivegotsomethoughts 2 дні тому

    As someone who was in the midst of the Johnny Depp Amber Heard thing on Twitter/X, I personally dealt with real individuals. Real people who were going to the Fairfax county court every day. Others who were running daily live streams on UA-cam or what have you. While I understand they believe that there were bots, first she said it was Russian bot farms and now they have this whole expose on it being Saudi bot farms? There also were a lot of real people and those are the only ones I tweeted with. Kaplan before she resigned even said that Depp's "fans" were unreasonable or something to that extent. But Amber's were 10'x worse. It is tit for tat in these cases. Amber Heards actions, the photos, the AUDIO, the bodycam footage from LAPD, the text messages between her and raquel penningtons' ex husband about the knives, and her bizarre behavior on the stand + so much more is what sealed it for her.

  • @angelforceforyou
    @angelforceforyou 2 дні тому

    Excellent deep dive❤

  • @emilieiggiotti
    @emilieiggiotti 2 дні тому

    I think you nailed this episode!!!

  • @PureSparkles22
    @PureSparkles22 2 дні тому

    I think blake should divorce ryan

  • @poochie_connie5200
    @poochie_connie5200 2 дні тому

    Molly you're my favorite now! I've been watching UA-cam discussing about this scandal, and you're the best by far!!! BTW, I wish Justin will get the justice he deserved....

  • @PureSparkles22
    @PureSparkles22 2 дні тому

    Everbody hates Ryan and Blake. It's over for them

  • @ysteinfjr7529
    @ysteinfjr7529 2 дні тому

    Your breakdown of the timeline makes very much sense.

  • @compassionandhumility
    @compassionandhumility 2 дні тому

    I'm a double space after a period person and I am younger than them; I'm a "two handed no looking at the keyboard type-r" and I've only ever used a PC for typing. I used a typing program to train myself and it made me do it that way(or it would highlight it and tell you that you're wrong) as did my school at the time. I'm also from Canada, I don't know if that makes a difference in what we are taught in this specific instance but being from Canada vs the States does in many other spelling/grammatical ways...so maybe?

  • @AMC1623
    @AMC1623 2 дні тому

    Justin Baldoni is everything that Ryan Reynolds will NEVER be! That's why RR lost it and went nuts. RR has LOST millions of fans. So has Blake, Taylor and Hugh for that matter. I am one of millions!

  • @TheNaturemama
    @TheNaturemama 2 дні тому

    Colleen Hoover is in on the game with Blake and Ryan. She’s a snake. I agree with everything else you’ve said.

  • @donnadea3081
    @donnadea3081 2 дні тому

    Outstanding!

  • @AMC1623
    @AMC1623 2 дні тому

    I have nothing against gays, but I get an intense gay vibe from Ryan Reynolds! Listen to him, doesn't he sound super gay?

  • @cheche833
    @cheche833 2 дні тому

    I’ve been following this story. Yeah, you were the first to point at Ryan Reynolds. I heard it from you first.

  • @isobeljames1328
    @isobeljames1328 3 дні тому

    Basic facts : It ends with us : budget : 25 millions... Box office : 349,722,357 millions - Deadpool made : 1,338,071,348.... = 2 bankable projects = powerful couple. .....when you're bankable you can't be canceled.... There will be a settlement.

  • @trinid306
    @trinid306 3 дні тому

    Wow…insightful…

  • @donnadea3081
    @donnadea3081 3 дні тому

    Why is Molly saying she and others in her community don’t believe Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster relationship is real? Why would they fake a relationship on the heels of his separation with Deborah?

  • @donnadea3081
    @donnadea3081 3 дні тому

    RR has conflicting behavior mocking feminism (one example is via his Good Pool character) and then doing feminist talk. Such a hypocrite.

  • @mayarodriguezsrensen6904
    @mayarodriguezsrensen6904 3 дні тому

    I love that you're speaking about how sus Ryan Reynolds is. Can't stand that guy and never could.

  • @SusanStilley
    @SusanStilley 3 дні тому

    I think Reynolds' reaction was faux outrage re Baldoni's question to the trainer about BL's weight. They both saw they could use it for leverage. There may have been some misunderstanding in the beginning (depending on how the trainer relayed the info) and Reynolds was only too happy to swoop in and save Blake's honor from the evil, fatshaming Baldoni. But being professional actors who would understand limitations on lifting certain amounts of weight, I think they completely understood Baldoni's reasonable concern but instead, pretended GREAT offense. And it worked! More of Blake's demands were met. Baldoni and Wayfarer were scared to death of fallout from the 'fatshaming kerfuffle' because that is so opposite to Baldoni's brand. Little did they know that was just the appetizer to the main course of SH that would come in Dec.

  • @starcrossedsaint
    @starcrossedsaint 3 дні тому

    Great work like always Molly

  • @Luckyraindrops
    @Luckyraindrops 3 дні тому

    When I heard Blake did not want to work with an Intimacy Coordinator and wanted to do that job herself, that was when I realized that SHE, BLAKE, is the one attracted to Justin. Plus the footage of her pulling herself towards him, and inviting him in the trailer while she’s breastfeeding, were actions of somebody comfortable with the man. And not at all uncomfortable because he was a sexual harasser. Ryan suspected, Blake needed to cover her tracks, and here we are!

  • @JustMe-px9qy
    @JustMe-px9qy 3 дні тому

    Justin is a sanctimonious male feminist that thinks he can redefine masculinity. And he’s arrogant enough to think that people are interested in his opinions. But when push came to shove… he laid down and let Blake walk all over him again and again and again. Blake is a spoiled, mean spirited bully. She and Ryan sensed his weakness and took advantage of it. As annoying as Justin is…I hope he wins in court.

  • @MiaVoss
    @MiaVoss 3 дні тому

    Why does Ryan Reynolds constantly sound like he's trying to be intentionally effeminate? it's definitely not the flex he thinks it is.

  • @GreenEyedLady
    @GreenEyedLady 3 дні тому

    The pieces questioning his control over this situation and BL are coming in hot and fast.

  • @Keepgrowing-k6g
    @Keepgrowing-k6g 3 дні тому

    You view is exactly what Candace Owens already said, hmm...

  • @flutterbyblue3639
    @flutterbyblue3639 3 дні тому

    Respect!

  • @crisstone2000
    @crisstone2000 3 дні тому

    I hope you are right about Ryan Reynolds is coming down. I also think Justin is innocent.

  • @carvajalricardoaz
    @carvajalricardoaz 3 дні тому

    @mollymcpherson, at 8:01, you reveal a disingenuous side of your persona. You admit to saying what the station wants to hear in interviews while holding a different personal opinion. That’s quite deceptive to the TV audience. How can I trust what you say here? Are you simply saying whatever attracts more viewers on UA-cam, or are you genuinely trying to educate your audience on PR matters?🤔

  • @brandondaniels2504
    @brandondaniels2504 3 дні тому

    What I love about your take on this is that you don't absolve Blake of her part in this but you also don't paint her as "the villain". You brought it all back to actual humans with feelings/emotions/family being behind this whole drama. One of the more nuanced takes I've come across

  • @minn88ful
    @minn88ful 3 дні тому

    Great take!

  • @LoriBurkecafe
    @LoriBurkecafe 3 дні тому

    Talk about Taylor swift’s PR moves because of this mess - I’ve heard she’s distancing herself from Blake now. Tree Paine is working overtime i’m sure to remove her from the narrative. Blake totally dragged Taylor into this.

  • @maloudelosreyes661
    @maloudelosreyes661 3 дні тому

    TEAM JUSTIN ❤️

  • @maloudelosreyes661
    @maloudelosreyes661 3 дні тому

    TEAM JUSTIN ❤️