**Podcast Summary: "Not All Press Is Good Press"
Aired on January 6, 2025, on "Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Not All Press Is Good Press," host Coco Mocoe delves into the nuanced dynamics of media coverage and its impact on celebrities' careers. Challenging the adage "all press is good press," Coco examines how certain types of publicity can be detrimental rather than beneficial. She introduces the concept of controlled controversy as a strategic marketing tactic, contrasting the experiences of celebrities like Katy Perry and Sabrina Carpenter to illustrate how controversies can either bolster or damage public personas.

Notable Quote:
Coco Mocoe [00:00]:
"Not all press is good press. In fact, the wrong press can forever tank someone's career."

Controlled Controversy: Definition and Examples

Coco defines controlled controversy as an intentional act by public figures to push boundaries and generate discussion, thereby increasing their visibility. She cites historical and contemporary examples to illustrate how this tactic has been employed effectively:

• Lady Gaga's Meat Dress at the VMAs: Initially met with outrage, the dress eventually became iconic, celebrated for its bold statement and artistic merit.

• Janet Jackson's Halftime Performance: Controversial at the time, Janet faced severe backlash compared to Justin Timberlake, highlighting issues of racism and misogyny in media responses.

• Lil Nas X's Performances: Recognized as a master of controlled controversy, Lil Nas X uses bold statements and visuals to engage and expand his Gen Z audience.

Notable Quote:
Coco Mocoe [Transcript Segment]:
"Sometimes people don't understand it in the moment, and then it ages and people get how iconic it was."

Listener Insights and Perspectives

Throughout the episode, Coco engages with her audience's responses from Substack, YouTube, and other platforms. Listeners share their interpretations and opinions on various instances of controlled controversy:

• Chad Symes: Discusses the racial and gender dynamics in Janet Jackson's halftime performance and how public perception differs based on the individuals involved.

• L. Martin: Highlights Lil Nas X's strategic use of controversy to maintain relevance and engage audiences.

• Audrey Knox and Gabby Caw: Analyze Miley Cyrus's ability to reinvent her image through bold performances and the implications of cultural appropriation.

Notable Quote:
Coco Mocoe [Transcript Segment]:
"I think Lil Nas X is really great at intentional controlled controversy. He’s like, really this Gen Z figure that understands the Internet in ways that even the Millennial or Gen Xers maybe don't understand."

Case Studies: Katy Perry vs. Sabrina Carpenter

Katy Perry: When Controversy Backfires

Coco outlines Katy Perry’s career trajectory, noting her early success with the "Teenage Dream" album and her subsequent shift towards a more family-friendly image with albums like "Prism" and "Witness." However, her latest album, "143," released in 2024, became mired in controversy due to her collaboration with Dr. Luke, a figure accused of misconduct by fellow artist Kesha.

• Impact of Dr. Luke Collaboration: The association tarnished the album's reception, as fans perceived it as contradictory to feminist stances, especially given the serious allegations against Dr. Luke.

• Lifetimes Music Video Incident: An investigation by the Spanish government over unauthorized filming in protected areas sparked further negative publicity, leading to decreased album performance.

Notable Quote:
Coco Mocoe [Transcript Segment]:
"With Katy Perry, it didn't help that Kesha released her first solo single since becoming an independent artist... this controversy seemed to rock Katy Perry so hard that as her album was getting ready to come out, she addressed it briefly on an episode of Call Her Daddy."

Sabrina Carpenter: Turning Controversy into Triumph

In contrast, Sabrina Carpenter has adeptly navigated controversies, often turning them to her advantage. Coco highlights several instances:

• Feathers Music Video Misinterpretation: Initially perceived as provocative, the video inadvertently exposed financial misconduct within a church, leading to greater visibility and support for Sabrina.

• Album Artwork Similarity: When accused of copying a French magazine's shoot, Sabrina chose not to publicly address the claims, mitigating potential backlash by avoiding escalation.

• Olivia Rodrigo Rivalry: Faced online bullying during the release of Olivia Rodrigo's "Sour," Sabrina responded with resilience, culminating in successful comebacks with subsequent music releases.

Notable Quote:
Coco Mocoe [Transcript Segment]:
"The controversy that surrounded her when Sour was at its height could have been career-ending for Sabrina Carpenter, but she had one of the best comebacks ever two years later."

Analyzing the Dichotomy: Why Did Controversy Affect Them Differently?

Coco explores the key differences in how Katy Perry and Sabrina Carpenter handled controversies:

• Intentionality and Control: Sabrina's ability to swiftly respond and recontextualize controversies allowed her to maintain public favor, whereas Katy's controversies often stemmed from unforeseen or poorly managed situations that alienated her core audience.

• Alignment with Public Values: Sabrina's responses often aligned with broader social values, reinforcing her image positively. In contrast, Katy's associations, especially with contentious figures like Dr. Luke, created dissonance with her audience's expectations.

• Artist Branding and Authenticity: Sabrina's brand exudes resilience and authenticity, making her more relatable and trustworthy. Katy's frequent image shifts and associations with controversial figures may have diluted her brand integrity.

Notable Quote:
Coco Mocoe [Transcript Segment]:
"What makes the two artists and their controversies different? And what can marketers, brand owners, or public figures ourselves learn about when it's time to lean into a controversy or when we should shy away?"

Concluding Insights

Coco concludes the episode by reflecting on the delicate balance public figures must maintain when navigating controversies. She emphasizes the importance of timing, control, and alignment with personal and public values in determining whether a controversy will ultimately harm or enhance a celebrity's career. Coco also teases an extended discussion for her Substack subscribers, promising deeper analysis and additional case studies on celebrities whose careers were irrevocably affected by negative press.

Notable Quote:
Coco Mocoe [Transcript Segment]:
"Most of the time, at least from the public figures and the brands that I've worked with, they actually don't want controversy at all. And it takes a combination of good timing, circumstances, and wit to be able to spin a controversy in your favor versus letting it spiral out of control."

Final Thoughts

"Not All Press Is Good Press" serves as a comprehensive exploration of the complexities surrounding media coverage and public perception. Through well-chosen examples and insightful analysis, Coco Mocoe provides listeners with a deeper understanding of how controlled controversy can be both a tool and a threat in the realm of public relations and personal branding.

Connect with Coco Mocoe:

• Instagram: @CocoMocoe
• YouTube: Coco Mocoe
• TikTok: @CocoMocoe
• Substack: cocomocoe.substack.com

For more in-depth discussions and exclusive content, consider subscribing to Coco's Substack.