Jamie Lynn: Can Her Reputation Be Saved?
Jamie Lynn Spears’ unplanned pregnancy at 16 is a public relations nightmare! Britney Spears’ sister was seen as a role model to millions based on her wholesome Nickelodeon character on Zoey 101. So can teen mom-to-be salvage her image? Robert Zimmerman, managing director of Middleberg Communications in New York City, says she can! “This is Hollywood. If she raises the child properly and acts like a responsible parent, unlike her sister, then she can continue to have a successful career further down the line,” Zimmerman tells Star. The crisis management expert, who has worked with famous clients such as Diddy and Michael Eisner, also analyzed Jamie Lynn’s decision to announce her pregnancy on a magazine cover and offered up some advice for the young star.
HOW WOULD YOU HAVE ADVISED JAMIE LYNN TO ANNOUNCE HER PREGNANCY?
First I would have consulted with Nickelodeon and her family together. Once we were all on the same page and knowing the media would be all over this because she is Britney’s sister, I would have gone to a trusted veteran news reporter or journalist who could understand both sides of the issue. The she could do a proper sit down interview. I wouldn’t have suggested or recommended my client pose for a magazine cover.
IS IT A GOOD IDEA OR A BAD IDEA TO DO A MAGAZINE COVER TO ANNOUNCE YOU ARE PREGNANT?
Bad idea. I would not have come out with a splashy magazine cover. It is my opinion Jamie Lynn posed for it because she is always referred to as Britney’s little sister and this was a great way to grab the spotlight away from her.
SHOULD JAMIE LYNN ACCEPT ANY MONEY, NOW OR IN THE FUTURE, FOR HER STORY?
Unfortunately, accepting money for baby pictures has become the norm in Hollywood. If she does get money for the first snap shots, as her publicist I’d want her to donate the money to a charity that deals with teenage pregnancy. This will help her image and help girls less fortunate then Jamie Lynn. She should not capitalize on her mistake.
FROM A CRISIS MANAGEMENT STANDPOINT, IS IT A GOOD IDEA OR BAD IDEA FOR JAMIE LYNN TO MARRY THE BABY’S FATHER?
If they are going to get proper family support from both sides and the baby will be raised in an appropriate family environment, unlike her sister’s situation, then yes. However, if this being done just for publicity then no, because it will backfire on them especially if they get divorced. The odds are they will not be together in 5 years because they are so young now and will need time to grow and mature into adults.
IF YOU WERE JAMIE LYNN’S ADVISER, HOW WOULD YOU SOFTEN THINGS?
She should not seen partying and if she is seen in public, she should make sure she’s doing responsible things for the baby. But try and remain out of the limelight as much as possible. No more interviews and don’t talk to any more media.
HOW WOULD YOU ADVISE JAMIE LYNN’S MOM, LYNNE SPEARS?
Lynne should have understood that her younger daughter was looking to garner attention and allowing her to do a magazine cover was irresponsible. There is no way Jamie Lynn could have done this without Lynne’s blessing. Doing this in such a public way was a mistake and Lynn should have known that. Getting paid for this was even worse and questions her skills as a parent. To capitalize on this was a mistake.
WHO WOULD YOU SAY DID A GOOD JOB HANDLING THEIR UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY?
Nicole Richie sat down for a proper interview with Diane Sawyer. She also donated gifts from her baby shower and gave away lots of baby goods to those less fortunate. Nicole’s is a textbook example of the way this situation should be handled.
