The Greatest Showman - Chapter 927
Under an avalanche of criticism, Entertainment Weekly had crumbled, its reputation tarnished. In a desperate attempt to salvage what remained, the publication had issued a formal apology, published a correction, and severed ties with Cornell McGregor, declaring that he would never work for them again.
A fallen hero, now discarded without hesitation.
No one sympathized. It was an expected outcome. Entertainment Weekly, in its bid for survival, had abandoned its pawn. But the truth remained—Cornell was no innocent victim.
And yet, despite the magazine's retreat, the storm had not subsided. Mere weeks had passed, and though Entertainment Weekly had chosen silence, lying low to let the scandal dissipate, the rest of the media were far from done.
As Robin's question echoed, a hush fell over the crowd. Even the ambient noise of the red carpet—reporters chatting, stars mingling, cameras flashing—seemed to dim. Those around the interview turned their heads, their curiosity piqued.
Renly took in the moment, noting the sudden change in atmosphere. A small chuckle escaped his lips. "Are we really discussing this here? At this time?" His voice held a teasing note. "Is this another trap?"
The reporters flinched at the jab. A telling silence followed.
Who was truly fueling the hype?
The contrast was striking—Renly, calm and composed, against the frenzied media, eager to extract every ounce of sensation. The hypocrisy was glaring, laid bare under the glitzy lights of Hollywood's grandest stage.
Renly's lighthearted remark placed the press in an awkward position, exposing the irony of their actions. They had once accused him of orchestrating media spectacles, yet here they were, using him for another. A Möbius loop of hypocrisy. Robin shifted uncomfortably, aware of the trap they had inadvertently stepped into.
But Renly had no intention of pressing the attack. He understood the nature of the beast—he was, in some ways, part of it. There was no anger in his voice, no hostility, just an easy smile. His demeanor eased the tension slightly, allowing Robin to regain some composure.
Still, she realized too late—Renly had complete control of the conversation. Every pause, every shift in tone, every glance dictated the rhythm of the exchange. He had done the same with Brad and Angelina earlier in the night. It was masterful.
He's only twenty-two? The thought struck Robin like lightning.
Her mind raced, formulating a counter, but Renly had already moved on. "To be honest," he continued smoothly, "I don't see much of a difference."
The media machine remained the same—sensationalism first, integrity second. The only shift was the target. Before, it had been Renly. Now, it was Entertainment Weekly. Different focus, same game.
His words carried a quiet irony, subtle but biting. Then, he smiled again. "I never felt the need to respond. I said what needed to be said. As for the rest…" He trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished, yet perfectly clear.
After a brief pause, he changed the subject entirely. "For me, nothing has really changed. Just before the red carpet, I met some of the most wonderful people in the world. That's my biggest takeaway from tonight."
Before he had even finished speaking, excited voices erupted nearby. Cheers, shouts—his fans, still unwavering in their support. Renly glanced over, chuckling softly as he nodded in their direction. The crowd responded in kind, their cheers reaching new heights.
Turning back to Robin, his expression remained warm. "Other than that, I have no further comment."
A moment of disbelief settled over the reporters. How could Renly dismiss such a monumental scandal so effortlessly? His words were light, yet they carried weight. It was deliberate—detached yet pointed.
Robin felt the chill in his tone, the unspoken finality in his gaze. She knew the correct move—end the interview now. The segment had already run long, delaying the coverage of other celebrities. But the producers at ABC weren't ready to let go. A voice in her earpiece urged her forward.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed once more. "What about Entertainment Weekly's apology? They admitted their mistake, fired the responsible party. Do you have any response?"
Renly didn't hesitate. "No."
His answer was immediate, firm, and resounding. The force behind it stunned Robin and the surrounding reporters into silence.
With an unwavering gaze, he delivered the final blow. "I have no interest in their apology. In fact, from now on, I refuse to engage with that publication in any capacity. Let's settle everything here and move on."
The declaration was simple, but the meaning was profound.
For the first time, Renly had publicly addressed the Hypegate scandal. There was no diplomacy, no room for negotiation. In a few measured words, he had condemned Entertainment Weekly, sealing its fate in his world.
No forgiveness. No reconciliation. No second chances.
The firm resolve beneath his composed exterior sent chills through those present. His decision was absolute. Entertainment Weekly had lost all access to him—an unthinkable reality for any media outlet hoping to cover Hollywood's brightest rising star.
Those who had underestimated him—who had seen only a young actor still finding his footing—now realized their mistake. Renly Hall was not someone to be trifled with.
And he had made that abundantly clear.
As if to emphasize the contrast, his smile returned, relaxed and unbothered. "I'd rather avoid further misunderstandings in the future. Let's maintain a little mutual respect. What do you think, Robin?"
Robin forced a laugh, though sweat beaded at her temples. "Of course, of course."
She scrambled to wrap up. "That concludes our red carpet interview. I won't keep you any longer—our photographers are already glaring at me." The joke lacked conviction, her tone betraying her nerves. "Best of luck tonight!"
Renly gave a courteous nod, stepping back before turning away. His departure was graceful, effortless. Yet the ripples left in his wake spread across the red carpet, unshaken by the chaos around him.
Robin exhaled, shivering slightly. Only then did she realize how tense she had been.
Facing the camera, she forced a bright smile. "That was Renly Hall, everyone. Let's wish him luck. And now, onto our next guest…"
Meanwhile, television audiences erupted.
Marc Lacante, watching from home, leapt up. "That's it! That's what I was talking about! Well done, Renly!"
After weeks of frustration, after enduring endless media spin, the moment of vindication had finally arrived. Renly's unwavering stance struck like a hammer, shattering Entertainment Weekly's credibility.
The uncrowned kings of media had been dethroned.
And Hollywood would never be the same.