It Ends With Chaos: The PR Masterclass Hidden in Hollywood’s Latest Drama
Photo Credit: Melissa | Lemon8 Lifestyle Community

The “It Ends With Us” drama isn’t just celebrity chaos – it’s a full-blown case study in PR warfare, legal chess moves and the way social media manipulates public perception. While the internet picks sides and fuels the flames, the real lesson isn’t about Hollywood at all – it’s about us, the way we engage, and the lasting impact of the words we put into the world.

 

Global (30 January 2025) – I have been sucked into the Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Ryan Reynolds, Colleen Hoover and Taylor Swift – It Ends With Us – chaos. Not in it, obviously, but I can’t stop reading, watching and trying to piece together what actually happened.

It’s Hollywood drama on steroids.

And even if you don’t care about celebrity culture (and you have absolutely no idea what I am talking about), this whole situation is a masterclass in PR, legal strategy, and how social media is being weaponised – without people even realising it – to shape public opinion.

I swear they need to make a documentary about all of this. They could call it… “It Ends With Chaos” or something to do with “Khaleesi’s Dragons”.

I digress.

There are entire accounts dedicated to analysing every angle of this. Posting opinionated videos on a daily, sometimes even hourly basis. Even Candace Owens has temporarily put her political agenda on pause to post video after video about it. Apparently social media outrage is a currency and people are cashing in.

But while the internet is very busy playing detective, here are a few things I think are worth remembering:

1. Silence is never just silence.

Silence is as loud as noise. In life, people will make assumptions about you whether you speak or not. The key is knowing when silence is power – and when it’s just avoidance.

2. The truth is rarely black and white.

There are always three sides to a story: yours, theirs, and the messy, complicated truth in between. Most conflicts – whether in Hollywood or real life – aren’t a simple case of right vs. wrong. They’re layered, nuanced and full of things we’ll never fully understand.

3. Loyalty is complicated. And should be respected.

Friendships evolve. People you once thought were unshakable may shift when things get messy. But here’s the thing – loyalty isn’t about blind allegiance; it’s about mutual respect. If you call your bestie a dragon and try to use her as a pawn to manipulate the masses? Well, don’t be surprised when she flies off and leaves you in the ashes.

4. Public perception is a game – don’t let it play you.

In this drama, PR is being used like a chessboard. And most people don’t even see it. But real life isn’t that different – people curate their images online, at work, in friendships. Don’t assume you know the full story just because it’s the one being presented.

5. People see your story through the lens of their own experiences.

This entire feud has people picking sides – not based on facts but on their own history. The same thing happens in real life. When you go through something, people won’t always see you… they’ll see their own past playing out. I once had lunch with Oprah (name drop dot com) and she spoke at length about the idea that it’s not what’s wrong with people but what happened to them. That perspective shift changes everything. Be mindful of what’s actually yours to carry – and what belongs to someone else’s past.

6. Social media outrage is often just for show (or for the money).

People are invested in this drama like it’s their personal battle – but in a few weeks, they’ll move on to the next scandal. The same happens in real life. People will judge, gossip and fuel chaos, but at the end of the day, most of them won’t even remember it. Don’t waste your peace on temporary opinions.

7. When emotions run high, logic takes a backseat.

Most of this drama isn’t about facts – it’s about feelings. In your own life, when things get heated, take a step back. Emotional reactions rarely lead to the best decisions. My best advice… write the reply message… but sleep on it before sending.

8. You don’t owe an explanation to people committed to misunderstanding you.

Some people want to twist your words. You might very well be the villain in some people’s stories. And no matter how much you explain, some people will hear what they want to hear. Not every battle is worth fighting – sometimes, the best response is none at all.

9. Nothing happens in isolation – there’s always a bigger picture.

This isn’t just about a book or a movie. It’s about power, business, reputation and personal history. In our own lives, most conflicts aren’t just about one moment – there’s usually a build-up. Step back and see the full landscape before you react.

10. The internet moves on but your real relationships stay.

In a few months, this entire drama will be forgotten. But behind the scenes, the friendships, betrayals and damage will still exist. That’s true in life too – public perception fades but the people who truly know you are what matter.

I love the number 11, so I will add one more.

11. The internet is forever – and so is your legacy.

Between these two couples, there are 6 children who, one day, will grow up and see everything that’s being said about their parents online. Every tweet, every TikTok, every opinion, every comment – it all lives on long after the drama fades. My friends, legacy isn’t just about wealth or reputation; it’s about the impact we leave behind. And in a digital world, our words don’t just disappear. So before jumping into the noise, ask yourself: If the people I love most had to read this years from now, would I still stand by it?

Ja, some food for thought.

But here’s the thing… at the end of the day, this isn’t just about celebrities or Hollywood. It’s about us – how we engage, what we give our energy to and the impact of the words we put into the world.

Because drama fades. Headlines change. And the internet moves on.

But we are the ones who have to live with what we say, how we treat people and the legacy we leave behind.

So maybe the real lesson here isn’t about who’s right or wrong – it’s about choosing to be intentional with our words, mindful of our actions and aware that what we put out into the world always has a ripple effect.

And that?

Maybe that matters more than any Hollywood scandal ever will.

Oh, I also don’t know who needs to hear this but no one actually watches TikTok ads. We all scroll past. If you’re paying for views, they are all fake.

That’s it.

Okay. Love you. Bye.


Sources: Brent Lindeque | Good Things Guy | OpEd 
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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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