logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
35m 14s

269: The Fine Line Between Apology and D...

www.mollymcpherson.com
About this episode

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:

© 2023 In...

Up next
Yesterday
The PR Trap of July: Scandals, Silence, and the Setup for September
July appears quiet. It isn’t.This episode outlines why summer is a high-risk period for reputation management. With newsroom staffing reduced and audience attention low, deeper stories start brewing. Reporters have more time. Leadership is often distracted. That’s when reputation ... Show More
12m 6s
Jul 2
When Journalists Become the Story: Who Really Controls the Narrative?
In this live edition of The PR Breakdown, Molly McPherson is joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenak, the hosts of the Reputation Town podcast, to explore the widening gap between journalism and public trust. The conversation centers on CNN’s Jake Tapper and his new book with Ale ... Show More
29m 19s
Jun 25
The Tyler Perry Allegations: Why 'Scam' Claims Make Everything Worse
Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million sexual harassment lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon—and his legal team wasted no time calling it a “scam” and “shakedown.” That move may work in court. It won’t hold up in the court of public opinion.In this episode, I break down:How aggressive l ... Show More
11m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Blake Lively and the Amber Heard Effect
The first episode of this podcast ever recorded was about Amber Heard and the online public’s inability — or unwillingness — to distinguish between their organic feelings about celebrity abuse allegations and their participation in a strategic, well-funded smear campaign against ... Show More
1h 34m
Dec 2024
Gregg Wallace's apology, and questions for the BBC
Masterchef host Gregg Wallace has responded to allegations of inappropriate behaviour via an Instagram message, claiming the accusations have only come from “middle-class women of a certain age”. The presenter has since apologised - but questions remain for the BBC and for Banija ... Show More
37m 2s
Jun 14
252 - TikToker Blames Being HOSPITALIZED on Patrick Starr + TikToker Cancelled For Being a Mean Girl
For more content & bonus episodes, join the other girlies over at https://patreon.com/doweknowthem In today's episode, we discuss TikTok creator, Jools Lebron (known for being very mindful, very demure) and the allegations she's been making against influencer turned founder, Patr ... Show More
1h 22m
Jun 7
250 - TikToker EXPOSED For Elaborate & Disturbing Lies + Influencer Drops Lawsuit for Copying Her
Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/DWKT ! #honeylovepod HAPPY 250TH EPISODE GIRLIES!!!! We can't believe we've made it this far and are so grateful to all of you for the continuous support and encouragement along the way :) Today's episode starts with a ... Show More
1h 31m
Jun 2024
Patric Gagne and the Art of Sociopathic Zen
When I first heard about Patric Gagne, a diagnosed sociopath with a buzzy new memoir, I was intrigued. If she lives without the social emotions that often hold us back — embarrassment, jealousy, and shame — does she actually have a superpower? What can she teach us about failure, ... Show More
1h 1m
Jan 2023
5. Not for Men's Instagram Stories
Coming back from the holiday break, Jess and Caroline are bringing the energy for our first episode of 2023. We talk about the toxicity of hustle culture, then hear an update from Caroline on her relationship (or non-relationship) with "Steve" (or "non-Steve"). This sends us into ... Show More
56m 41s
Jul 2024
What’s Making Us Angry with Jennifer Cox
This week Jameela is joined by forensic psychotherapist and author Jennifer Cox to look at what is making us angry, the ways in which we mask our pain and anger, and how to identify our feelings and channel them for good. Jennifer takes us through the repeating patterns in the va ... Show More
52m 10s
Jun 29
The Summer Of Crashing Out: Justin Bieber, Cory's World And Tattle Life
Ding dong the witch is dead - in a Scooby Doo worthy unveiling, the 'Helen McDougal' that began infamous British influencer gossip forum has been unmasked as vegan influencer Sebastian Bond. In the aftermath, TikTokers like Cory's World are cashing in on the moment to detail exac ... Show More
31m 25s
Sep 2023
How the Media Creates Delusional Tribes - Tim Urban
Tim Urban is a blogger who writes about a wide range of topics, from science and technology to psychology and philosophy. He is known for creating minimalist stick-figure illustrations to help explain complex concepts in a simple way. His musings are collected on his website, ‘Wa ... Show More
59m 32s
Feb 2025
A Forensic Analysis of Meghan Markle’s Announcement
After trademark troubles and delays with her original brand, our favourite ex-royal is giving it another go. Meghan Markle's new Instagram teaser still gives us those dreamy Montecito mansion vibes, but now with a different name and (presumably) fewer jams. Is this a strategic pi ... Show More
38m 37s