Two high profile names have hit the headlines again for all the wrong reasons.
Christian Bale for his verbal outburst at the Director of Photography on the set of the upcoming Terminator film, and Olympic superstar Michael Phelps for hitting that bong.
One thought that springs to mind is: What if it had been the other way round? Honestly, tabloid headlines like “Bong, Bong, Bale” and “Phelps Slams Pool Cleaner” wouldn’t cause much of a stir.
Hollywood stars are expected to have their drug run-ins, and Michael could still land an endorsement deal (a la McEnroe) for scolding someone who broke his concentration during a training session.
Bale had probably upset someone on the set (apart from the DP who received his lashing of vitriol) and whilst it still reflects badly on him, it will only help to fuel the interest in not only the upcoming movie of the Terminator franchise, but also his mystique.
Phelps will suffer a little more, especially due to his role model status, but despite calls on companies to withdraw their sponsorships, they have stood by their Aquaman and announced they won’t jump ship. Perhaps because this incident enables him to reach a new audience.
Stoners up and down the country could soon be hitting the lanes at the swimming pool in between trips to Sonic to perfect their butterfly technique in time for London 2012. By then, the pool could be the place to hang out. With locker rooms filled with chips, M&M’s and brownies, the spectators will not be left out in the cold. Not least because of the PA system pumping out Pink Floyd, Beck and 2 hour remixes of “Truckin’” by The Grateful Dead.
Until then, I suggest that our two protagonists meet and discuss a way to remedy their bad PR. Maybe a Strangers On A Train “Criss-Cross” moment wouldn’t be a bad idea after all.
Tags: advertising, busted
