18th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
Image Repair in Action: The Ashley Simpson Mishap
Matthew C. Myers
Dr. Andrew Klyukovski, Faculty Mentor
Ashlee Simpson’s performance “mishap” on the U.S. based Saturday Night Live television show on October 24th, 2004, brought along nationwide criticism and speculation about the young vocalist, who’s career was just beginning and in its most vital stages. Nature of the accusations against her included that she attempted to deceive her viewers by lip-synching a recorded track during her performance, rather than using her real voice. Response to these accusations required significant and immediate image repair strategies. Among repair strategies implemented by Simpson and those associated were denial, evasion of responsibility, and mortification. I propose that these strategies were successful in excusing the mishap and repairing Simpson’s image.
Keywords: Ashlee, Simpson, Saturday Night Live, SNL, Lip-synch, image, repair, strategies
Topic(s):Communication
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 53-3
Location: VH 1304
Time: 4:15