The Real Life Olivia Pope's Newest High-Profile Clients

Most aspiring Public Relations specialists can’t help but look up to ABC’s Scandal’s main character, Olivia Pope, who plays the ultimate crisis management expert who represents everyone from politicians to celebrities.  But, what most people don’t know is that Olivia Pope is actually based off a real woman: Judy Smith. Judy Smith was a former Bush administration press aid turned crisis management expert, just like Olivia Pope. Also, just like Olivia Pope, Judy Smith is making headlines.

(Source: Google)

In December, Sony Pictures Entertainment was attacked when computer systems were hacked exposing extensive private data including the social security numbers of thousands of employees. As if that wasn’t enough, hackers also revealed racist and inappropriate emails by Amy Pascal, Sony Picture’s film chief. Amy Pascal and Sony Pictures are definitely having a tough time but their luck might be turning around. Judy Smith has been hired to aid Amy Pascal and Sony’s internal public relations department. This is obviously a huge scandal for Pascal and Sony and definitely a testament to the success of Judy Smith. However, Sony is not Smith’s only new client.

Judy Smith was also recently hired to represent and guide Girls’ actress and creator Lena Dunham. Dunham has consistently been making headlines since the premier of her show in 2012. Dunham is extremely outspoken on social media and recently publish a memoir entitled, Not That Kind of Girl. Dunham’s frankness on social media and candid memoir have definitely caused a stir and even caused her some major bad publicity, which led Dunham to hire Judy Smith to give her counsel. Dunham is hoping to take a more active roll in her press coverage and even stated plans to delete her twitter account.

Obviously Judy Smith is extremely well known and capable of handling diverse clients. Plus, her newest high-profile clients are a testament to her success and capabilities. Do you think Smith is powerful enough to change the public perception of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Lena Dunham?  

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Emily Charles.