Prince Andrew focuses on family as his career is beyond repair
Geo News
Andrew, the Duke of York, rarely appears in public and spends most of his time with family, including ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
According to PR expert Mark Borkowski, Andrew’s sheltered life is due to a lack of public opportunities as no one wants to be associated with him following his controversies, including his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
In the documentary Prince Andrew: Where Did All The Money Go? a Royal commentator said of Andrew, “He’s rarely seen out and about at any kind of public event, he doesn’t venture into London like he used to a few years ago.”
To this, journalist Carole Malone added, “His life is golf and horses and Sarah (Ferguson) and their kids (Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie), and thank God he has them because I think he’d have very little else.”
However, Borkowski said the reason Andrew is focusing on his family instead of working is that “there’s no way” anyone would hire him or collaborate with him on a project.
The expert told The Sun that Andrew should now do “something very subtle,” adding, “I think he just needs to carry on playing golf and driving his cars around the estate and whatever.”
‘Cancel culture’ insurance offers respite to panicking celebrities
Financial Times
Celebrities and business executives worried about being “cancelled” over their words or actions will be able to take out insurance to deal with the fallout of being caught up in a social media-fuelled culture war.
The policy is being created by Samphire Risk, a Lloyd’s of London backed independent underwriting agency that offers products focused on crime, hostage-taking and kidnap risk, with Borkowski PR, a London-based crisis communications group.
Cover provided by the insurance policy includes crisis management communications services specifically designed to protect individuals against cancel culture, and to mitigate reputational damage caused by negative media and social media coverage.
“Social media turbo charges any reaction and spreads it around the world in seconds,” Borkowski said. He added that “in an age where a single tweet can erase a lifetime of credibility — think of . . . Chrissy Teigen’s cancellation over resurfaced messages — [this] is the insurance against digital volatility.”
There are existing reputational crisis insurance products but Borkowski says this will “bridge the gap” in corporate policies by focusing on personal protection for celebrities, executives, athletes and high net worth individuals as well as offering preventive measures.
The policy, known as Preempt, includes research, analysis, monitoring and training to prevent potential reputational issues in advance, as well as a 24/7 hotline and 60 days of communications work to manage and respond to negative media and social media coverage.
“This includes ‘cancel culture’ and ‘culture war’ fallout, areas where corporations may not, or will not, provide personal cover,” Borkowski said.
https://www.ft.com/content/66947ec8-b465-4ea7-84e0-efb71e6c6b5d
Cancel culture insurance offers respite to panicking celebrities
Financial Times
Sharing or liking a tweet can bring the whole world down on you,” said Mark Borkowski, a veteran PR boss who drew up the terms of the policy with the services’ risk partner RepuTitan.
“There are a lot of anxious people. The cancel button is the new guillotine [and] one mistake is your epitaph. It’s too easy to take a position on things . . . without being thoughtful.”
Social media can create near instant backlash when celebrities, executives and sports stars are deemed to have crossed often arbitrary lines, causing lasting damage and financial cost.
“Social media turbo charges any reaction and spreads it around the world in seconds,” Borkowski said. He added that “in an age where a single tweet can erase a lifetime of credibility — think of . . . Chrissy Teigen’s cancellation over resurfaced messages — [this] is the insurance against digital volatility.”
https://www.ft.com/content/66947ec8-b465-4ea7-84e0-efb71e6c6b5d
Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez reveals he has ‘adapted’ his training methods for sensitive celebs following show’s bullying scandal
Daily Mail
In July Mark Borkowski, a spokesperson for Graziano, told BBC News: ‘There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that.
He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.’
Referring to the media reports, Mark added: ‘But he doesn’t recognise some of the issues surrounding it. The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned.’
He continued: ‘He [Graziano] has literally cut himself off from civilisation. I think that’s a wise thing to do, supported by his wife. He’s coming to terms with his mental health issues.’
OFFENSIVE SALE Fashion firm Shein removes offensive ‘professional racist’ T-shirt from its website
The Sun
Brand expert Mark Borkowski said the message was “offensive” and “potentially brand- damaging.”
He said: “For a company already under fire for exploitative labour practices and environmental negligence, selling this amplifies a perception of negligence and insensitivity.”
Shein, which previously removed a Swastika necklace and a phone case with a handcuffed black man on, apologised and withdrew the “inappropriate” T-shirt after we got in touch.
It said the image came from a supplier, adding: “This image did not reflect our value of inclusivity.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/32877229/shein-removes-professional-racist-shirt/
The secret to Hollywood’s greatest comebacks, from John Travolta to Demi Moore
BBC Culture
“The perfect Hollywood comeback is a carefully orchestrated symphony of narrative parallels and zeitgeist timing,” says Mark Borkowski, a PR expert and the author of The Fame Formula: How Hollywood’s Fixers, Fakers and Star Makers Created the Celebrity Industry. “A sidelined star – like Demi Moore – must step into a role that mirrors their offscreen arc. Add a dash of auteur credibility and just enough edge to provoke chatter, and you’ve got the formula for an A-list resurrection.”
All the signs Meghan Markle is ready to go solo in ‘professional split’ from Prince Harry
Express
PR expert Mark Borkowski also, upon recently speaking to The Telegraph, said that Meghan often changes the narrative.
Mark explained: “They had to change the narrative. They need a venture that deflects from the failures. The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff. It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry.”
Lastly, Meghan’s body language during recent appearance is also a sign that she is ready for a “professional split” from her husband of six years.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1995505/meghan-markle-instagram-signs-prince-harry
Meghan Markle’s three ‘tell-tale signs’ she’s ready to go solo in ‘professional split’ from Prince Harry
Irish Star
Royal commentator Hugo Vickers told The Sun: “Harry’s much better when he’s on his own talking about things without her there. And perhaps she’s better off doing what she does without him there because he always looks a little bit spare.” He added: “You could suggest that she’s making a move to be an independent person in her own right, I mean, we know who she is now, thanks to her marrying Prince Harry. She’s got much more of an identity.”
PR expert Mark Borkowski also shared his thoughts when talking to The Telegraph: “They had to change the narrative. They need a venture that deflects from the failures. The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff. It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry.”
https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/meghan-markle-career-prince-harry-34418957
Meghan Markle’s Trailer for New Cooking Series Branded as ‘Nonsense’ and ‘Totally Fake’
The Royal Observer
“This is a profound change of direction for Meghan — in some ways to become like a Martha Stewart. If Meghan can pull it off, it’s a very rich seam to mine,” PR expert Mark Borkowski told an outlet.
“If it succeeds, then it’s a massive leap forward and will take away from a lot of the negativity she’s had. And it will make a lot of people take her very seriously,” he added.
https://www.theroyalobserver.com/p/meghan-markle-slammed-totally-fake-cooking-series-nonsense
Luke PR expert Mark Borkowski believes Littler’s marketability is down to is relatable nature.
The Sun
If he is carefully managed, there’s a huge opportunity to swell his wealth much further.
“Luke Littler, he’s a mega brand in the making although arguably he already exudes star power,” Borkowski told SunSport.
“What makes him more interesting is that he is so down-to-earth – that’s a superpower in itself.
“But what lies ahead financially hinges on how well his support team plays it. Littler is more than just a darts player, he’s a multi-million pound commodity, the UK’s latest working class hero
Royal fans spot ‘sign suggesting Meghan Markle has divorced’ Prince Harry in Instagram blunder
OK Magazine
PR guru Mark Borkowski told The Telegraph that the “separation of work” between Harry and Meghan has been happening for a while now, particularly as Meghan develops her new American Riviera Orchard brand.
According to Mark, this is because the “star power” they thought they would possess as a duo after stepping back from their senior Royal duties “didn’t work”. Mark elaborated: “They had to change the narrative. They need a venture that deflects from the failures. The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff. It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry.”
https://www.ok.co.uk/royal/royal-fans-spot-sign-suggesting-34405329
With Netflix show, Meghan Markle seeks ‘clean slate’ after ‘Duchess Difficult’ years
The Spokesman Review
With Netflix show, Meghan Markle seeks ‘clean slate’ after ‘Duchess Difficult’ years
With Markle’s New Year’s Day post, public relations experts said that her ocean imagery and her all-white outfit were obviously chosen to show “purity” and a desire for a “metaphorical clean slate” in 2025 – following a challenging few years for her public image.
“The all-white attire screams ‘purity of reinvention’ while the ‘2025’ etched in the sand conveniently doubles as both a literal timestamp and a metaphorical clean slate,” said Mark Borkowski, a top U.K. P.R. expert told the Daily Mail.
“Meghan has gone for the classic cryptic performance art Instagram post,” Borkowski continued. “It’s a P.R. textbook example of someone signaling a new era, designed to intrigue and mystify.
“It’s a subtle power play, simultaneously fostering curiosity and establishing control.”
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jan/02/with-netflix-show-meghan-markle-seeks-clean-slate-/
Meghan Markle ‘establishing control through subtle power play’ amid social media return
GB News
PR expert Mark Borkowski told the Mail that Meghan’s choice of attire carries significant symbolism.
“The all-white attire screams ‘purity of reinvention’ while the ‘2025’ etched in the sand conveniently doubles as both a literal timestamp and a metaphorical clean slate,” he said.
Borkowski described the post as “a PR textbook example of someone signalling a new era.”
“It’s a subtle power play, simultaneously fostering curiosity and establishing control,” he added.
The California-style fashion shot would not look out of place in prestigious magazines like Vogue or Vanity Fair, experts noted.
https://www.gbnews.com/royal/meghan-markle-subtle-power-play-royal-news
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry accused of turning ‘everything negative’
Geo TV
“Over the past year [2023], they have achieved little more than alienating themselves from the US public and the powerful media companies that employ them – as well as driving an even bigger wedge between themselves and the Royal Family.
“They could find themselves completely frozen out in Hollywood.”
Meanwhile, PR expert Mark Borkowski advices Meghan and Harry to evolve according to the audience needs
He says: “Showbusiness is attracted to success and financial gains. Turkeys are only acceptable for Thanksgiving. There’s speculation that the industry might be growing weary of their presence.”
Meghan Markle makes sacrifice to save Prince Harry marriage
The News International
Previously, PR expert Mark Borkowski shared that Meghan has “constant need for recognition”. Another expert noted that Meghan often overshadows Harry during their joint trips but he shines only when he is by himself.
Smith predicted that Harry will be taking a centre stage on the global scale, and that can seemingly happen when Meghan gives in and fades into the background for her husband.
It remains to be seen what strategy the Sussexes will be taking on in 2025, but it seems that it will put Harry in the spotlight.
How stars of Love Island, Netflix and TikTok are being lured into organised crime gangs by promise of fast money and ‘glamorous’ jet-setting lifestyles
Daily Mail
How stars of Love Island, Netflix and TikTok are being lured into organised crime gangs by promise of fast money and ‘glamorous’ jet-setting lifestyles
Influencers with up to 100,000 followers can make up to £350 a post, according to social media specialist Tribe. While this may appear a lot, it is rarely enough to maintain an expensive lifestyle, and only a tiny of minority of influencers survive on their social media work alone.
PR expert Mark Borkowski told MailOnline: ‘The art of this for a lot of them is making their life look ultra glamorous, but the harsh reality is it’s the minority who make lots of money from this, not the majority.
‘If you’re a Kardashian or Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s a great income, but for most people the riches aren’t there. I can easily see that this could lead to people becoming more desperate because they are tuned into this new normality of living a luxurious lifestyle.’
Strictly winner Chris McCausland set to ‘rake in a whopping £1M’ with TV deals and has already added 100 EXTRA dates to his comedy tour
Daily Mail
PR expert Mark Borkowski told the publication: ‘He hasn’t just danced his way to the bank, he’s carried Strictly there with him turning a potentially disastrous serious into a glittering headline-grabbing redemption arc’.
‘As a blind comedian, he’s shattered expectations and delivered a victory that eels both groundbreaking and natural, proving talent and charisma are what truly captivate an audience’.
Before adding: ‘Strictly just polished his star into prime-time gold’.
Meanwhile PR expert Mark Borkowski told The Mirror: ‘ Chris is the unlikely saviour of Strictly after a pre-season of turmoil’.
‘His authenticity and humour have given the show a shot of much-needed credibility and warmth, reminding everyone why they fell in love with the format in the first place’.
Strictly Come Dancing makes a major comeback after scandals as it becomes the ‘highest-scoring’ and ‘best ever’ final in its 20 year history
Daily Mail
Mark Borkowski, a spokesperson for Graziano, told BBC News: ‘There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that.
‘He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.’
Referring to the media reports, Mark added: ‘But he doesn’t recognise some of the issues surrounding it. The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned.’
Upon its launch, the show received a major blow when viewing figures plummeted amid the scandals and pulled in more than a million less than usual.
Chris McCausland ‘laughing all the way to the bank’ thanks to Strictly Come Dancing win
The Mirror
Chris has already doubled his tour in length, adding 100 dates due to “phenomenal demand” as his star soared at the end of October. Borkowski believes his time on Strictly “transcends disability and rewrites what representation can look like” on mainstream TV.
“As a blind comedian, he’s shattered expectations and delivered a victory that feels both groundbreaking and natural, proving talent and charisma are what truly captivate an audience,” he added. “If the industry loves anything, it’s a story like his: heart, humour and a big win. Strictly just polished his star into prime-time gold.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/chris-mccausland-laughing-way-bank-34318406
Gregg Wallace Faces Misconduct Allegations, Career at Risk
GEO Today
Gregg Wallace Faces Misconduct Allegations, Career at Risk
Crisis management expert Mark Borkowski was quick to highlight Wallace’s missteps. “The first law of PR in a crisis is never let your emotions rule your Instagram,” Borkowski said. “What Wallace seems to have catastrophically miscalculated is the seismic shift in workplace norms.”
Borkowski emphasized that studios are now highly sensitive to issues of workplace misconduct and that top-tier talent is expected to lead by example. He added, “What was once dismissed as harmless personality quirks now reads as tone-deaf at best and career-ending at worst.”