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<p><i>Purpose</i>&#xa0;This article investigates how a celebrity’s growing crisis history influences media framing and stakeholder perceptions over time. Using Kanye West as a case study, it introduces the concept of crisis history toxicity—the cumulative reputational damage that occurs when repeated crises alter the framing of both the individual and associated brands, even during co-creative events. <i>Design/methodology/approach</i>&#xa0;The study uses a longitudinal case study approach, analyzing 40 brand-relevant events from 2008 to 2023 through content analysis of 938 media articles across fashion, business, and popular outlets. Articles were coded for tone, crisis type, journalistic style, and associations with value co-creation or co-destruction. Quantitative methods, including correlation, regression, and ANOVA, were used to assess reputational patterns and media dynamics over time. <i>Findings</i>&#xa0;Results demonstrate a significant shift in media tone over time, with an increasingly negative portrayal of West—even during positive brand events—as his crisis history deepened. The media’s framing transitioned from reputational crises to transgressions, reflecting reduced public tolerance. Associated brands (e.g., Adidas, GAP) also experienced reputational damage by association, though to a lesser extent. A key tipping point occurred in 2022, when coverage moved decisively toward value co-destruction. <i>Originality</i> This study offers a novel contribution to reputation research by empirically conceptualizing crisis history toxicity and demonstrating its effects on media framing and stakeholder perceptions. It provides actionable insight for managing reputational risk and alliance strategies in highly visible, media-driven industries.</p>

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Crisis History Toxicity: the Rise and Fall of Kanye West

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月27日

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  • Sophie Louise Johnson,
  • Audra Diers-Lawson

摘要

Purpose This article investigates how a celebrity’s growing crisis history influences media framing and stakeholder perceptions over time. Using Kanye West as a case study, it introduces the concept of crisis history toxicity—the cumulative reputational damage that occurs when repeated crises alter the framing of both the individual and associated brands, even during co-creative events. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a longitudinal case study approach, analyzing 40 brand-relevant events from 2008 to 2023 through content analysis of 938 media articles across fashion, business, and popular outlets. Articles were coded for tone, crisis type, journalistic style, and associations with value co-creation or co-destruction. Quantitative methods, including correlation, regression, and ANOVA, were used to assess reputational patterns and media dynamics over time. Findings Results demonstrate a significant shift in media tone over time, with an increasingly negative portrayal of West—even during positive brand events—as his crisis history deepened. The media’s framing transitioned from reputational crises to transgressions, reflecting reduced public tolerance. Associated brands (e.g., Adidas, GAP) also experienced reputational damage by association, though to a lesser extent. A key tipping point occurred in 2022, when coverage moved decisively toward value co-destruction. Originality This study offers a novel contribution to reputation research by empirically conceptualizing crisis history toxicity and demonstrating its effects on media framing and stakeholder perceptions. It provides actionable insight for managing reputational risk and alliance strategies in highly visible, media-driven industries.