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Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Meghan Markle faces 'new reputational issue' with 'messy and uncoordinated' reinvention
Ever since the start of Meghan Markle 's romance with Prince Harry, she has gone through many different stages of life - but her transitions have not always gone down well with the general public. Meghan, 43, has always touted herself as an independent person, and has embarked on a number of projects both before and after marrying into the royal family. She married Prince Harry, 40, in May 2018, but in 2020, the two decided to formally step down from their duties as working royals and move to Montecito, California. And the couple still live there with their two children, son Archie, six, and daughter Lilibet, three. According to Ryan McCormick, co-Founder & Media Relations Specialist at Goldman McCormick PR, Meghan's favorability seemed to 'peak' during her royal wedding to Prince Harry, and has taken a hit since then. 'Worldwide interest also appeared to have hit its apex when Markle and her husband first burned their bridges to the Royal Family,' McCormick told Daily Mail exclusively. 'From those two notable events, I've observed the Duchess' popularity is in a steady, slow decline.' Before Prince Harry, Meghan was an actress, starring on the hit series Suits, and an avid lifestyle blogger as the creator of The Tig, where she wrote about style, food and travel. It was quite popular until she had to shutter its doors in 2017, ahead of her wedding. And, while the public opinion about them started to sour after they stepped back from the royal family, it didn't stop them from getting Hollywood business deals. Together, the couple only became more lucrative as they pursued a combined $120 million deal with Spotify and Netflix. Their faces suddenly became splashed across TV screens more than ever as they completed a series of interviews and documentaries one after another. In addition to a tell-all 2021 interview with Oprah - in which Meghan claimed that the royals had 'concerns about how dark [Archie's] skin would be' and was denied professional help outside of the palace - she and Harry also sat down for a 2022 Netflix docuseries about their love life. The six-episode show, which was titled Harry & Meghan, detailed their love story, but also included their true feelings about the royal family, which weren't too flattering, as she claimed they 'fed her to the wolves' when it came to the media. The high-profile duo even included a series of bombshell claims about Prince William, as his now-estranged brother, Harry, alleged that he 'screamed at' him for stepping down from royal duties, bullied him and his wife out of the royal family, and even broke a pact to never trade negative stories about each other in the press. At the time, members of the world's media couldn't believe their eyes as they witnessed the family feud, with NBC's Daisy McAndrew slamming the couple for making no effort to apologize for their role in the breakdown of Harry's relationship with his family, and CNN's Max Foster pointed out how one-sided the documentary was. That same year, Meghan also launched her 'Archetypes' podcast on Spotify, where she interviewed various power players like Andy Cohen and tried to 'subvert the labels that try to hold women back.' However, the podcast didn't seem to take off, as it was promptly canceled after one season. Meghan, Harry and the Spotify team produced only one 13-episode series of a podcast for the company, and then split. They were later called 'f***ing grifters' by Bill Simmons, who was the Head of Podcast Innovation and Monetization at Spotify at the time. The couple did not issue a response, instead relying on their initial joint statement with Spotify when it was first canceled, which read that they had, 'mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together,' per The New York Post. But Meghan appeared to be undeterred as she returned to podcasting this year, producing a series with Lemonada Media called Confessions of a Female Founder, where she interviewed various female CEOs like Spanx's Sara Blakely. However, that also seemed to flop, as it has not been renewed for a second season. Now, fast forward to just three years later: 2025, and Meghan is once again back in the public eye as she launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and her hospitality show on Netflix. In short, Meghan's back in the limelight, this time seemingly on her own terms. Her Netflix show, titled With Love, Meghan, which featured celebrity guests like comedian Mindy Kaling, has already been renewed for a second season, and amassed 2.6 million viewers in the first week, according to People. All three of Meghan's As Ever collections have sold out as well - even though the brand has been plagued by a number of mishaps, including overselling stock, like the apricot spread. Now that she'll be on our screens for what appears to be the foreseeable future with Netflix, it begs the question - are all of these lifestyle ventures enough to save her public image? According to multiple experts, it's possible that she can build back and reimagine her public image, but the clock is ticking. Now that she'll be on our screens for what appears to be the foreseeable future with Netflix, it begs the question - are all of these lifestyle ventures enough to save her public image? 'I do think Meghan is actively working to reshape her public image and she's using these projects as tools to do it,' Stacy Jones, founder and CEO at Hollywood Branded, confirmed exclusively to Daily Mail. 'As Ever and With Love, Meghan both feel like intentional pivots. She's clearly moving away from the more polarizing royal commentary and leaning into lifestyle and wellness - all categories that are softer, more commercially friendly, and easier for audiences to connect with,' Jones explained. However, it's not just the effort that counts here, it's the results. Jones said that Meghan's attempts to reshape her public image will depend entirely on the 'execution.' 'The intent is there, but the follow-through hasn't landed cleanly,' she shared. 'When your brand is under a microscope, even operational hiccups feel like PR disasters.' The CEO believes that Meghan's show on Netflix is actually the smarter way to go in terms of building back some goodwill with the public. 'It's personal, curated, and focused on things that feel warm and aspirational,' she explained. 'It allows her to control her own narrative, without overt royal commentary - which is a necessary step if she truly wants to evolve how she's perceived,' Jones continued. 'She's building a brand that stands on its own - one where she's not defined by titles, but by values, taste, and personal curation,' she said. 'The challenge is that the public has a long memory and high expectations. Reinvention is possible, but it takes consistency, humility, and a clear sense of who you're becoming - not just what you're distancing from.' Katrina Owens, founder of Knockout Marketing Directive Inc, seemed to agree. She shared that although these new projects 'signal a very clear shift to a controlled, lifestyle narrative,' there's still one problem. 'The problem with curated aesthetics and aspirational living (as depicted in these projects) is that they still feel like a nod towards her past life as a royal, even if its unintentional,' the personal branding and publicity expert told Daily Mail exclusively. 'I don't think that these new projects are different enough in brand and concept to simply enable audiences to forget her past in the royal family,' she admitted. Owens believes that the projects will allow Meghan to rehabilitate her image eventually, but noted that there's still a lot of work to be done, due to the fact that her projects have all seemed to be 'short-lived.' 'The lack of follow-through creates a new reputational issue where audiences see her trying to shift away from her past in a way that feels messy and uncoordinated,' Owens said. 'This only amplifies the parts of her persona that have been highlighted in the past through royal-related narratives (for example: being difficult or hard to work with),' the expert continued. 'So if she is really going to transform her public perception, she needs to invest in long-term strategy that consistently positions her alongside just one or two of her media assets.' It seems like only time will tell where Meghan's new ventures will lead - but one thing's for sure, is that there's a lot riding on it.
Fox News
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni's 'titanic clash' could hurt best-selling author's next box office hits: expert
Colleen Hoover's 2016 best-selling novel "It Ends With Us" came to life in 2024 when Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively starred in the movie adaptation of the book. However, the legal war that ensued between Baldoni and Lively after the movie's release was something Hoover could not anticipate, and in the midst of the back-and-forth between the two stars, the writer deactivated her Instagram account, according to People magazine. Upon her return to the platform, the author purportedly removed photos from her profile which included the stars of the film despite previously showing support for Lively one day after the "Gossip Girl" star filed a complaint against Baldoni, 41, the outlet reported. Since resuming her social presence, fans have flocked to Hoover's page with demands for not only an apology to Baldoni, but also threats to boycott her future projects, which include a movie in the works with Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. It's unclear how Hoover's upcoming works, including the film adaptation of her "Verity" novel, will be perceived by fans. Ryan McCormick, reputation management expert and managing partner at Goldman McCormick PR, exclusively told Fox News Digital that only time will tell how Hoover's fan base will react. "I don't foresee anyway that Hoover's career is not affected in some way by Lively and Baldoni's war," McCormick said. "She's an accomplished author with a large readership. The question being posed to her followers is, 'Are you going to dump Colleen, whose books have greatly entertained you, over a situation completely beyond her control?' Some may, but I don't think the majority will." McCormick noted that Hoover's best bet is to stay "completely out of this heated affair." "Don't mention Lively or Baldoni for the foreseeable future," he said. In addition to "Verity," the author has "Regretting You" slated for a 2025 release, starring Allison Williams, McKenna Grace and Dave Franco. McCormick had doubts any stars would fear working with Hoover despite the Lively-Baldoni drama. "I don't foresee anyway that Hoover's career is not affected in some way by Lively and Baldoni's war. She's an accomplished author with a large readership." "If public backlash were to substantially increase toward Hoover, I can see the hesitancy of some celebrities," McCormick said. "However, she had nothing to do with this titanic clash." Baldoni secured the rights to Hoover's "It Ends With Us" through his Wayfarer Studios production banner in 2019, and signed on to not only direct the film but also star in the movie in the lead role of Ryle Kincaid. After rumored tension between the pair peaked following the summer 2024 press tour, Lively filed a formal complaint in December 2024. One day later, Hoover publicly supported Blake on her Instagram stories. "@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt," Hoover wrote in addition to a photo hugging Lively from a screening of the film, according to People. Hoover quietly stepped away from social media following Lively's formal complaint and subsequent federal lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, which was shortly followed up by Baldoni's $400 million defamation suit. When her profile became public once again and a sequel, "It Starts With Us," was in the works, users began to question why Hoover hadn't backed Baldoni. "You don't deserve the privilege of the job and platform you have – you have massively abused your position to contribute towards disgraceful and bullying treatment of JB. Your silence is deafening. The fact you haven't apologised to JB yet is astounding," one fan wrote. "Top tip! Speak up. Admit your mistakes. People will respect you more if you do." Another user added, "Feeling a bit stressed lately by all the negative attention? Now imagine if you were falsely accused of sexual harassment, after being blackmailed and extorted to give up something you worked on with all your heart for years. Yeah. Maybe admitting you were wrong is the least you could do." "I won't be seeing another one of movies otherwise!!!" one follower stated, while another wrote, "Boycotting all Colleen Hoover until she publicly apologizes to JB." Adrienne Uthe, founder and strategic advisor for Kronus Communications, exclusively told Fox News Digital that Hoover has to be strategic with her next moves now that she's back in the public eye. "She initially backed Blake Lively, but has since pulled back," Uthe said. "If she doesn't maintain a neutral stance, this could impact future projects. A full apology isn't necessary, but a public statement clarifying her neutrality could help. Right now, she appears firmly on Blake's side, which may not be the best look." "If she doesn't maintain a neutral stance, this could impact future projects. A full apology isn't necessary, but a public statement clarifying her neutrality could help." When it comes to Hoover's career, Uthe isn't too concerned with what she believed was a "personal misstep." "This seems more like a personal misstep than a long-term career issue," Uthe said. "She likely got swept up in the Hollywood allure of Blake and Ryan, but at the end of the day, she wants to make good films."
Fox News
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Justin Baldoni surfs in Hawaii as Blake Lively legal battle rages on
Justin Baldoni has escaped to paradise as his legal battle with Blake Lively rages on. The 41-year-old actor - who was accused of sexual harassment, retaliation and infliction of emotional distress in a December lawsuit filed by Lively - was seen surfing in Hawaii this week. In a photograph obtained by Fox News Digital, Baldoni seemed relaxed and in good spirits as he casually rode the waves. The vacation comes nearly two months after Lively filed her lawsuit on December 31. Though the actor seems unbothered, sources close to the director told Fox News Digital that Lively's claims have since cost him three jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars. "Justin Baldoni's career is going to nosedive because of this legal battle," Ryan McCormick, a Reputation Management Expert & Managing Partner at Goldman McCormick PR, told Fox News Digital. "It's not because of his acting ability or following," he continued. "Even if all accusations are proven false, I think in the eyes of studios, he's radioactive. Entertainment companies take a risk on each film, not knowing if it will connect with the masses. With Baldoni, there's now added perils of not knowing if another legal battle will manifest with his future co-stars." "In addition, the actor has run awry with one of Hollywood's most powerful couples," he added. "Their sphere of influence goes far beyond what the public sees. I can see Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds subtly letting film studios know that they will not do business with them if they do business with Baldoni." "Also, Lively has 44M followers on Instagram and [Ryan] Reynolds (Lively's husband) has 53 million. Baldoni has 4 million. For all the negative press Lively has gotten in the past year, she can recover from this legal hurricane. Baldoni's brand and marketability have unfortunately been fatally compromised," he concluded. In December, Lively detailed allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional affliction of emotional distress, negligence and more against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath in a complaint first filed with the California Civil Rights department and later in federal court in December. In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. His team then released unedited footage from the set of "It Ends With Us" that they claim refutes Lively's previous accusations of sexual harassment. However, Lively's legal team claims the footage bolsters the actress's allegations. After the release, Lively's legal team demanded a gag order be issued against Baldoni's lawyer. WATCH: JUSTIN BALDONI RELEASES UNEDITED 'IT ENDS WITH US' FOOTAGE FEATURING BLAKE LIVELY On Jan. 23, Baldoni's lawyers filed a response, calling Lively's gag order attempt an "intimidation tactic" and "tactical gamesmanship." Baldoni and Lively's legal teams were in federal court on Feb. 3 where the judge ordered that they follow the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which limit speaking to the press. Neither party will be permitted to make statements to the press that have a "substantial likelihood" of prejudicing a jury. However, the legal teams will be allowed to defend their client in the media against publicity not created by either side.
Fox News
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Blake Lively's clash with Justin Baldoni ‘fatally compromised' his career: expert
As he continues his legal battle against Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni faces a whole new wave of challenges that could potentially harm his career and put his financial security at risk. After Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation and infliction of emotional distress in a December lawsuit, sources close to the actor and director told Fox News Digital that the claims have since cost him three jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars. "Justin Baldoni's career is going to nosedive because of this legal battle," Ryan McCormick, a Reputation Management Expert & Managing Partner at Goldman McCormick PR, told Fox News Digital. "It's not because of his acting ability or following," he continued. "Even if all accusations are proven false, I think in the eyes of studios, he's radioactive. Entertainment companies take a risk on each film, not knowing if it will connect with the masses. With Baldoni, there's now added perils of not knowing if another legal battle will manifest with his future co-stars." "In addition, the actor has run awry with one of Hollywood's most powerful couples," he added. "Their sphere of influence goes far beyond what the public sees. I can see Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds subtly letting film studios know that they will not do business with them if they do business with Baldoni." "Also, Lively has 44M followers on Instagram and [Ryan] Reynolds (Lively's husband) has 53 million. Baldoni has 4 million. For all the negative press Lively has gotten in the past year, she can recover from this legal hurricane. Baldoni's brand and marketability have unfortunately been fatally compromised," he concluded. Arron Bennett, founder of Bennett Financials, told Fox News Digital that Baldoni could face "several potential financial consequences" due to the legal battle. "Three job losses and 'hundreds of millions of dollars' in potential earnings indicate serious financial stagnation," said Bennett. "Being an actor-director like Baldoni, ongoing projects and future deals stand as vital income sources. Studios or production companies might reevaluate their willingness to work with him if they believe he presents too much legal risk during the lawsuit, which could then harm his capacity to land new roles or direct future projects." "For all the negative press Lively has gotten in the past year, she can recover from this legal hurricane. Baldoni's brand and marketability have unfortunately been fatally compromised." Even if Baldoni claims victory in court, he will still face a significant financial loss. "Engaging in high-profile legal conflicts claims high financial costs and potential settlements plus damages which might drain his available cash if the case extends over time," Bennett said. "Winning the legal battle will not relieve him from paying attorney fees and PR crisis management costs and lost earnings." Natalie Trice, a brand and PR expert for Natalie Trice Publicity, said the Baldoni-Lively battle is a true testament to how quickly things can take a turn for the worse, both professionally and personally. "Let's be real, losing three jobs and potentially hundreds of millions of dollars shows how legal battles affect Hollywood figures beyond the courtroom and how fast things can escalate," she told Fox News Digital. "Studios, sponsors, and investors assess risk quickly, and this could reshape Baldoni's future opportunities, and if whoever 'wins' I fear there will be massive losses on both sides that could ripple on for a longtime." "Nowhere more than Hollywood is your brand is your currency, and the longer this plays out, the harder it becomes for him to reclaim control of the narrative, especially as more and more stories are leaked," she added. But Bennett said there are ways Baldoni can recover if and when he takes the financial hit, including strategic brand rehabilitation, diversifying income streams, legal and financial risk mitigation and alternate revenue sources. "PR tactics combined with selected interviews and philanthropy provide Baldoni with opportunities to shape public opinion," said Bennett. "By pursuing producing and writing roles along with executive positions or media investment ventures, he can maintain stable income levels despite limited acting-directing opportunities," he added. WATCH: JUSTIN BALDONI RELEASES UNEDITED 'IT ENDS WITH US' FOOTAGE FEATURING BLAKE LIVELY In December, Lively detailed allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional affliction of emotional distress, negligence and more against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath in a complaint first filed with the California Civil Rights department and later in federal court in December. In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. His team then released unedited footage from the set of "It Ends With Us" that they claim refutes Lively's previous accusations of sexual harassment. However, Lively's legal team claims the footage bolsters the actress's allegations. After the release, Lively's legal team demanded a gag order be issued against Baldoni's lawyer. On Jan. 23, Baldoni's lawyers filed a response, calling Lively's gag order attempt an "intimidation tactic" and "tactical gamesmanship." Baldoni and Lively's legal teams were in federal court on Feb. 3 where the judge ordered that they follow the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which limit speaking to the press. Neither party will be permitted to make statements to the press that have a "substantial likelihood" of prejudicing a jury. However, the legal teams will be allowed to defend their client in the media against publicity not created by either side.
Fox News
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni legal battle tarnishes Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood image: expert
Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood reputation is likely taking "a little bruising" nearly one month after Justin Baldoni filed a $400 defamation lawsuit against the "Deadpool" star and his wife, Blake Lively. Reynolds and Lively were accused of attempting to hijack "It Ends With Us" and create their own narrative in the federal suit Baldoni filed just weeks after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on set of the film. As the legal battle heats up with a recent court hearing and trial date set for March 2026, each of the actors has remained relatively low-profile in public. However, Reynolds' social media presence of late and a surprising show of support at an A-list pal's performance has experts questioning if the Canadian actor is picking up the pieces of the squeaky-clean image he once held in both hands. Hours after the first court appearance in the case, where a judge ordered the stars' legal teams to limit speaking to the press, Reynolds shared a selfie with his wife of nearly 13 years. The couple appeared to be walking through New York City streets in the smiling shot posted on his Instagram stories. Reynolds used the 1994 Hootie & the Blowfish song, "Only Wanna Be with You," to go along with his photo. "Ryan's 'nicest guy in Hollywood' aura is taking a little bruising," Ryan McCormick, reputation management expert and managing partner at Goldman McCormick PR, told Fox News Digital. "It's hard to fathom why both sides (and various media conglomerates with a financial stake in all three actors) would allow this prolonged legal case to be in the public eye. It is mutually-assured, reputation destruction." "Ryan's 'nicest guy in Hollywood' aura is taking a little bruising." Before their legal teams met in court Monday, Reynolds appeared in New York on Thursday to sign autographs for fans. The "Van Wilder" actor didn't seem to have a press obligation, per social media sleuths, leaving keyboard warriors to question if he staged the "paparazzi swarm." On opening night of buddy Hugh Jackman's "From New York, With Love" show at Radio City Music Hall, Reynolds took the mic and praised "The Greatest Showman" star in front of the audience: "I love this man, I care about this man. He is genuinely the best human being I know. And I have four children," he said, per Variety. "Ryan Reynolds has spent years cultivating an image as Hollywood's most likable, self-aware, and business-savvy A-lister," Alexandra LaManna, a communications advisor and former White House spokesperson, told Fox News Digital. "His connection to this legal mess, whether direct or by association, is not a great look. If this case spirals, it could chip away at his sterling reputation. Blake and Ryan have also built their brand as Hollywood's power couple – witty, polished, and in tune with their audience – but this situation is starting to crack that image." LaManna added, "The real battle here isn't about facts, it's about perception. And with the trial more than a year away, the longer they stay tangled in this PR fight, the worse it gets. What started as a legal dispute is turning into a messy spectacle. Neither side is winning the he-said-she-said, and the more they engage, the more exhausting they become. At this point, there's so much noise around it that people are starting to tune out entirely; when a controversy drags on with no end in sight, everyone stops caring." "His connection to this legal mess, whether direct or by association, is not a great look. If this case spirals, it could chip away at his sterling reputation." On the day Baldoni filed his federal suit, Reynolds and his Wrexham soccer club co-owner, Rob McElhenney, announced they were part of a group that acquired the Colombian club La Equidad. Adrienne Uthe, founder and strategic advisor for Kronus Communications, told Fox News Digital that Reynolds' reputation is "already taking a hit" weeks into the Baldoni legal issue. "This is one of those 'untouchables' having their persona shattered into a million pieces," Uthe said. "This is one of those 'untouchables' having their persona shattered into a million pieces." Uthe said there's an easy way for Lively and Reynolds to move forward, though. "I think the couple should drop the suit, move on and find resolve through mediation for damages done to Justin Baldoni," she said. "This case will mirror the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard case, and it won't be in their direction. The best thing they can do right now is stop playing victim and open up the receipts 100%. Justin's team took action and is allowing the public to sort through information for themselves and make the judgment call — they should, at minimum, do the same." Fans turned their heads once again when it was revealed that Lively's sequel with Anna Kendrick, "Another Simple Favor," would be opening the acclaimed SXSW film and music festival, with Reynolds' name also being mentioned. "Will Ryan be making fun of Anna is his next film as well?" one fan asked in the comments of Lively's post promoting the film. Another user commented, "Never watching a Blake or Ryan film ever again." However, Kevin Mercuri, CEO of Propheta Communications, said the couple's brand is still strong despite a challenging time in both of their lives. "Ryan Reynolds is probably the only celebrity in this case who stands to have his image burnished," Mercuri told Fox News Digital. "His sole task will be to stand as a supportive husband. As a couple, Ryan and Blake seem to be pretty solid, making them stand out among the usual Hollywood couples who seem prone to breakups and divorce. They've been married since 2012 and chose to raise a family away from the usual entertainment meccas of Los Angeles and New York City. Doing so has made them more relatable to their fan base." He added, "In terms of potential impact, it's hard to estimate. Justin Baldoni's legal team has already come out swinging in an apparent attempt to intimidate Blake. Still, she has the support of a vast fan base who will require a boatload of evidence in order to believe that she is lying."
