What do Kanye West and Chris Brown have in common?

Back in November we blogged about the series of events that led to Kanye West losing a media trainer in just three days after his disastrous interviews on America’s Today show.  It didn’t do him a lot of good.

Well now fellow entertainer Chris Brown’s publicist has followed suit. But he appears to have come off rather better than Kanye.

If reports are to be believed, Chris Brown’s publicist, Tammy Brook, has quit just days after his disastrous interview on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’. In case you missed it, during said interview, Brown lost his temper when asked a series of questions about his 2009 domestic assault charges. He then destroyed his dressing room and smashed a window before heading out on to the streets of NY shirtless. All of which was of course reported to and the latter, in full view of the press.

Anyway, shortly afterwards, as you do, Chris Brown took to his Twitter account to profess his frustration. “I’m so over people bringing this past..! Yet we praise Charlie Sheen and other celebs…”

Later delated that to replace it with the more toned-down: “All my fans! This album is for you and only you! I’m so tired of everyone else! Honestly! I love team breezy!”

Next Brown hurriedly apologized for his behaviour and claimed the show had exploited him, but the damage was already done. According to the New York Post Brook (who has also represented athletes like Mike Tyson and Chris Bosh) quit soon afterwards.

Interestingly, contrary to the 21-year-old’s tirade, Brown had actuallty been consulted prior to the interview over the questions he would be asked about the controversial incident and agreed to them.

Is it perhaps unsuprising though that the interview and subsequent event took place last Tuesday – the very day Brown was releasing his new album.

Seemingly supporting the adage that all publicity is good publicity, Tuesday’s events and subsequent publicity only appears to have only helped him – Brown’s album is now expected to debut at the top the albums chart with projected sales of 300,000 copies.

Gemma Carey, www.bluewoodtraining.com

media and presentation training

Is it too late for Charlie Sheen?

Charlie Sheen needs swift, effective crisis management PR if his career is to be salvaged. But would it be too little too late?

The actor has survived scandal after scandal but is now suddenly on the outs after his radio rant and roof-top machete waving. “Charlie Sheen’s professional and personal lives have now morphed and the TV show, its creators, its producers and its stars have become the targets of Sheen’s wrath,” says Glenn Selig, a leading crisis management expert.  “Up until this point it was a tale of two separate lives and how his personal life might impact his career.”

It’s not the first time we’ve witnessed a breakdown in full glare of the media. Britney Spear’s head-shaving in full view of the paparazzi was difficult to watch. But she is now seemingly back on form and once again having success with her career.

So what of Sheen, and more specifically, his PR team? It is believed Sheen has been able to withstand scandal because the characters he plays on TV mirror his own life.

But this time has he gone too far?

It will be interesting to see what attempts, if any are made to salvage his media image.

Bluewood Training Ltd www.bluewoodtraining.com