Fame Under Fire – "Liam Neeson, a Voiceover Gig and a Viral Backlash"

Host: Amber Hark (standing in for Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Sean)
Guests: Molly McPherson (Crisis PR Manager), Madeline Holpert (Journalist, New York)
Released: January 26, 2026
Podcast: BBC Sounds – Fame Under Fire

Episode Overview

This episode investigates the reputational fallout when beloved actor Liam Neeson narrates a contentious documentary, "Plague of Corruption," centered on anti-pharmaceutical and anti-vaccine themes. Amber Hark is joined by PR expert Molly McPherson and journalist Madeline Holpert to unpack how Neeson's involvement landed him in a viral backlash, the context in which this unfolded, and what it means for celebrity responsibility in an age of polarized debates and misinformation.

Focusing on the blurred line between professional gigs and perceived personal endorsement, the episode reveals the increasing difficulty for public figures to detach themselves from the messaging of the projects they join—especially when those messages fan heated social and political divides.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Documentary at the Center of Controversy (03:10–05:25)

• Liam Neeson serves as narrator on "Plague of Corruption: 80 Years of Pharmaceutical Corruption Exposed," based on a book by Dr. Judy Mikovitz, known for discredited claims (04:23).
• The documentary’s executive producer is linked to conspiracy-promoting media figures and positions the film as "an explosive investigation" into government and pharmaceutical collusion (04:24–04:57).
• Notably features Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current US Health Secretary—a controversial appointment who has long opposed vaccine orthodoxy (05:20).

Notable Quote:

"He is now also the narrator of a documentary called Plague of Corruption... based on a book co-authored by... Dr. Judy Mikovitz, who's a former research scientist that has made discredited medical claims."
— Amber Hark (03:10)

2. Liam Neeson's Role and PR Response (05:25–07:18)

• Neeson is not credited as a producer or content creator, but reads a script heavily laden with anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine rhetoric (05:42).
• His PR team asserts, "Liam has never been and is not anti-vaccine," referencing his long-standing UNICEF work and distancing him from the film's message (06:20).
• PR expert Molly McPherson calls this a "threading the needle" move, noting it's a tightrope walk to protect both reputation and clarify intent (07:18). The implication is Neeson may have viewed this as just another voiceover job, not anticipating its wide reach.

Notable Quote:

"That statement is what I call, you know, where you're threading the needle. I mean, you are certainly dancing around the words to get from point A to point B."
— Molly McPherson (07:18)

3. Why the Vaccine Debate Is So Polarized (08:36–10:20)

• The climate in the US is uniquely fraught, with vaccine skepticism moving from fringe to mainstream, thanks in part to influential officials like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (08:36).
• Under Kennedy, mainstream vaccine guidance has been rolled back, contributing to outbreaks of preventable diseases (09:20).
• The role of social media in spreading misinformation is recognized as a powerful force—even those with medical expertise are at risk of being misled (13:20–13:50).

Notable Quote:

"Vaccination rates are continuing to fall. We're seeing one of the worst measles outbreaks in the US in decades."
— Madeline Holpert (10:08)

4. Risk of Association for Celebrities (11:22–12:10, 13:50–14:43)

• Despite clear opposition to anti-vaccine sentiment, Neeson’s recognizable voice bestows legitimacy on the film for many viewers (13:50).
• His prior advocacy work doesn't shield him from reputational risk—the public may conflate narration with endorsement.
• Promoters of the documentary are heavily leveraging Neeson’s involvement in marketing; they present his participation as an implied endorsement (13:50, 14:23).

Notable Quote:

"If the Liam Neeson is narrating this documentary, it must be accurate and that it gives it a kind of legitimacy."
— Amber Hark (13:50)

5. Comparisons and the Double-Edged Sword of Celebrity Influence (14:43–16:58)

• Reference to other public figures: Jenny McCarthy (anti-vaccine), Novak Djokovic (COVID-19 vaccine refusal)—how their reputations fared amid controversy.
• The distinction between A-list and B-list celebrity backlash: the higher the fame, the greater the scrutiny and potential fallout (15:22–16:33).

Notable Quote:

"If you get higher up that popularity chain in Hollywood... then it becomes more problematic for someone you know of his reputation."
— Molly McPherson (15:47)

6. Documentary Backers and Their Agenda (17:29–18:04)

• Ken Heckenlively, executive producer, is described as a self-professed anti-vaxxer, banned from Australia, with ties to conspiracy media giant Alex Jones and close association with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (17:35–18:04).
• The film’s creators use Neeson as a trophy, touting his voiceover to claim mainstream validation.

Notable Quote:

"Liam Neeson has been co-opted definitely by this movement. They want to highlight him and profile him."
— Molly McPherson (18:33)

7. Lasting Reputational Consequences & PR Strategy (19:07–22:33)

• The "internet never forgets": Celebrities like Robert De Niro who have dabbled in anti-vaccine media see those associations resurface years later (19:07–19:36).
• PR advice: Since distancing cannot erase involvement, the best strategy is to weather the storm and be more selective about future projects (22:13).
• Fans are split—some shocked or disappointed, others defending Neeson's right to choose his work (20:29–21:07).
• Financial reality: Even high-profile actors sometimes take projects for monetary reasons, a nuance PR practitioners want the public to see (21:07–22:04).

Notable Quotes:

"The fact that his representatives came out and firmly said his views, that they counter what was narrated... So it will follow him. But how badly, you know, that we just have to see."
— Molly McPherson (19:36)
"If I got that call today, I would tell him to do what he's doing right now and then just to ride it out and then be very, very choosy about the next jobs."
— Molly McPherson (22:13)

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Molly McPherson on PR Maneuvering:
  "That statement is what I call, you know, where you're threading the needle. I mean, you are certainly dancing around the words to get from point A to point B."
  — Molly McPherson [07:18]

• On the Power of Neeson’s Involvement:
  "If the Liam Neeson is narrating this documentary, it must be accurate and that it gives it a kind of legitimacy."
  — Amber Hark [13:50]

• Public Split in Reaction:
  "Some disappointment, some people saying that he has just taken the money here and you know, not thinking of the kind of responsible messaging to put out. But on the other side, some people saying, well, why not? Liam Neeson's a person, he's allowed to do what he wants."
  — Amber Hark [20:29]

• Advice for Future Crisis:
  "If I got that call today, I would tell him to do what he's doing right now and then just to ride it out and then be very, very choosy about the next jobs that he takes in the near future."
  — Molly McPherson [22:13]

Timeline of Key Segments

• Show Introduction and Liam Neeson Clip: [01:14–03:10]
• Background on Documentary and Its Controversy: [04:23–05:25]
• Neeson’s PR Response and Public Distancing: [05:42–07:18]
• The Vaccine Debate’s Polarization (US/Global): [08:36–10:20]
• Impact of Social/Legacy Media on Public Opinion: [13:20–13:50]
• Legitimacy Bestowed by Celebrity Narration: [13:50–14:43]
• Comparisons to Other Celebrity Backlash Cases: [14:43–16:58]
• Documentary Producers’ Agenda and Tactics: [17:29–18:04]
• Reputational Consequences and Damage Control: [19:07–22:33]

Conclusion

The episode underscores the complexity of celebrity reputation in the era of instant outrage and misinformation. In narrating a polarizing documentary, Neeson became a case study in how a single professional decision can spiral into a reputational firestorm—despite (or because of) years of public service and careful brand building. The hosts agree that, in the digital age, distancing statements provide incomplete protection and that every choice can linger indefinitely online, subject to interpretation and debate.

As Molly McPherson advises: "Be very, very choosy about the next jobs that you take in the near future." ([22:13])

For further questions or to comment on the episode, listeners are encouraged to reach out via social media or WhatsApp.