What If Blake Lively's approach was All a Strategy?

Controversy as a Deliberate Move

Could Blake Lively’s current controversy be more than just an unfortunate incident? What if it’s a calculated effort to keep DV at the forefront of public discussion? Normally, a film about DV might capture attention briefly, but this situation has kept the issue in constant conversation.

Strategic Awareness or Just a Coincidence?

There’s precedent for this kind of strategic move. Controversies have often been used to draw attention to important issues. Consider the campaign around the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. What started as a social media trend quickly turned into a global movement, raising awareness and millions of dollars for ALS research. Similarly, Blake’s current situation might be a tactic to keep DV in the spotlight, ensuring it remains a focal point rather than a fleeting topic.

Justin Baldoni’s Traditional Approach

Blake’s co-actor, Justin Baldoni, is taking a more conventional route—acknowledging the issue directly in interviews. This contrast between their approaches adds to the idea that Blake’s silence might be a calculated move. What makes this even smarter is that Justin, who portrays the abuser in the film, is the one stepping forward to address the controversy. By having the male character who represents the problematic behavior engage directly with the public, they ensure that the film remains on stable ground. If both actors had taken the same non-traditional approach, the entire project could have faced the risk of being canceled due to backlash. Instead, this dual strategy keeps the public engaged, the conversation ongoing, and the film protected from potential fallout.

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Discourse

If this is indeed a deliberate strategy, it underscores the power of media in influencing public dialogue. Controversy, when managed correctly, can serve as a tool for raising awareness and driving change. By maintaining focus on DV, whether through calculated silence or strategic engagement, the issue stays relevant. This isn’t just about managing a crisis; it’s about using media to keep important conversations alive.

Acknowledging the Broader Scope of DV

We want to acknowledge that DV affects both women and men, and that abuse comes in many forms beyond just physical and emotional—it can include financial, psychological, and verbal abuse as well. Since the film is based on a true story, the emphasis naturally lies on the specific events that occurred.

Disclaimer

The reason for this series of articles is to showcase the different types of PR strategies that can be employed in various situations. This isn’t just about one particular case; I am also NOT stating that this is what happened. It is about highlighting and exploring the diverse approaches in Public Relations.

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