History's biggest publicity disasters

Publicity stunts that sound good on paper can backfire, and sometimes in a big way. This week, Kate filed suit against Jon for alleged actions in 2009 (the full complaint can be read here.) But her petty and vindictive move set the airwaves ablaze, with most talking heads and internet bloggers blasting her for the ill-timed suit. Fox New's Julie Banderas even quipped, "she desperately wants to get back on T.V. so I guess this lawsuit will give her about 15 seconds back." Good Morning America's panel burst into giggles over the ridiculous idea that Robert Hoffman's tell-all book, available for less than 48 hours last year, damaged Kate's reputation. It couldn't have been "all that reality T.V," laughed 20/20's Elizabeth Vargas.

This got us thinking, what are some other historical publicity stunts that backfired? Here are five of some of the biggest:

Aqua Teen terrorist attack. 

 

 An advertising campaign in 2007 for the movie “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” featured numerous lighted signs planted across the city of Boston. Many people noticed the wires and electrical tape on the signs and mistook them for bombs. The widespread bomb scare virtually shut down the city.  Ironically enough, much of the public's outrage was directed toward the overreactive police force, accusing them of making the city look silly.


O.J. Simpson, killer author. 

In 2006, HarperCollins's thought it would be a good idea to publish a book written by O.J. entitled "If I Did It." Following the public's outrage, a big wig at the publishing company was fired and the project was scrapped.

A train wreck, literally.

In 1896, railroad companies decided to stage a controlled crash in Texas for publicity. With thousands of spectators watching, the trains collided head on as planned, but then unexpectedly exploded, killing three people and injuring countless others, including the event's photographer, who lost one of his eyes.

No Fly Zone. 

In 2009, the Department of Defense flew Air Force One low over Manhattan to take some photos. The flight terrified many New Yorkers, causing "mayhem" as people who thought we were under attack again scrambled to evacuate. A White House aide resigned, authorities apologized and cancelled a similar photoshoot planned in D.C.

Please stop. Sincerely, Mr. President.

Harry Reichenbach was a big time press agent at the turn of the 20th century who promoted films like Return of Tarzan. He staged several outlandish publicity stunts, including a fake suicide, and a kidnapping to Mexico. His antics finally resulted in President Woodrow Wilson writing him a letter pleading with him to please stop his nonsense.

Where will Kate's blunder rank in history? Will Obama write to her asking her to please stop? Heh, never say never! What other publicity blunders would you add to this list?