and know Max Clifford are not surprised by this...

www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13...ml?ito=feeds-newsxml

So what's the problem? Either the story is true or it's a smoke screen and like you I can have a very good educated guess.
In this instance Max Clifford is doing his job of protecting his client, that's what he is paid to do. The media will hound Simon and scrutinize his every movement because he is famous but like him or not he is entitled to have a private life. Max Clifford is his PR person and like him or not he does a good job with Simon's private life.

When the media need a story it's best to have them print your story rather than their own version. As we know it's called spin and it's one of the few weapons the celeb has against the media and I for one have no problem with the tactic especially after witnessing some of the things the media gets up to when there isn't a spin-doctor on call.

Surely at some point he must want to live an authentic life? It must be so miserable being him, even if he does have the wealth and power.

yes good publicity.

never met Cowell. Looked after Sinitta when she was in Sydney once.
We didn't get on.

Prunella Minge wrote:
Surely at some point he must want to live an authentic life? It must be so miserable being him, even if he does have the wealth and power.

Simon is just working hard while the opportunity presents itself. His bubble will burst - so make hay 9and money) while the sun shines?

He can then go off and buy himself a desert island (if he doesn't have one already).

In The Know wrote:
Prunella Minge wrote:
Surely at some point he must want to live an authentic life? It must be so miserable being him, even if he does have the wealth and power.

Simon is just working hard while the opportunity presents itself. His bubble will burst - so make hay 9and money) while the sun shines?

He can then go off and buy himself a desert island (if he doesn't have one already).

People like him can't ever stop. It's a Faustian deal. Fame without virtue, success without real achievement.

"success without real achievement"

Simon's has changed a large portion of TV programming throughout the world. He wasn't exclusively responsible for all the reality shows but his programmes were "game changers" His indirect influence isn't limited to music shows. For example, tonight is the final of The Apprentice, I would put forward that this show is a result of American Idol and as such is on TV as a result of work done by Simon Cowell.

People may not like what Simon has done but the influence his TV work has had on TV programmes is an achievement and will be in the history books when this period is studied in 50 years time, that's a (real) achievement.

I agree with you that "People like him can't ever stop". A similar person in my opinion is Sir Alex Ferguson.

I agree with you BB; not only do I still regard him as a close personal friend (Max has banned him from direct contact with me) but I think he's been tremendously good for music and for TV.
Those who are opposed to him tend to cite reasons which indicate others (especially music industry people) have been disastrous; just because we may not like his sounds or appreciate his entertainment is not criticism of him; why aren't those (including ourselves) doing a better job at promoting, exposing and supporting talent we love?

I try (the odds have recently tended to be stacked against me but I battle bravely on)... it's not easy but Simon has cracked it. Good luck to him.

But it doesn't stop us noticing the blatant PR jobs and giving a wry smile.

I wouldn't let someone else tell me whom I should and shouldn't acknowledge as a friend. I'd feel like a disgusting little coward.

I know I'll probably be flamed for saying this but if I was Simon's PR/Media person I would be giving him the same advise and also if I was Simon I'd be following it.

The role of the PR person is to ensure their client only gets positive press coverage. Unfortunately I can't see any media outlet treating a Simon and JK collaboration as anything other than a way at having a go at Simon. Even if that wasn't the actual outcome I think any PR person would say that the risk was too high to take. It is a sad reality but the media look for the easy target and on this subject their treatment will be based on the superficial facts and they won't be interested in any of the detailed background.

I admire the way you battle bravely on and I think things will get better for you but it is likely to be a very slow process. I think Simon can help you in the future but in my opinion its likely to be in a gradual way as he will want to test opinion before making any commitment.

I agree that he has taken a tried and true show biz format- the talent quest- and hauled it into the current century and provided bloody good entertainment. It's not original (what is?) but it's fun.

yes...we can all spot an obvious fake...just like Liz Hurley and that toupee model Shane Warne.

Prunella Minge wrote:
I wouldn't let someone else tell me whom I should and shouldn't acknowledge as a friend. I'd feel like a disgusting little coward.

You don't have a dog and then bark yourself !

We'll have to agree to disagree. If you got a friend, treat them like one. I don't excuse people who don't.