The rule in media is to never write from a personal point of view. The rule is to keep emotion out of the article and to remain objective and unbiased.
Sometimes rules are meant to be broken.
On Tuesday, 5 January 2021, I received a phone call that would change my life, as well as many around me.
Celebrity publicist and my friend, Leon Cloete had died from Covid-19.
I ask you dear reader, to grant me the opportunity to pay tribute to a man who people loved to hate.
Leon Cloete told it how it was. There was no beating around the bush and his bullsh*t meter was always on. If you were a friend or a client he would have your back no matter what. If you crossed him, well he would tell you in no uncertain terms.
He was respected by the industry, a trailblazer, a mentor in the public relations sphere. A giant with a heart of gold.
He taught me so much and his golden rule was, if you are the publicist, you’re not on the red carpet, you are ensuring that your client is.
@adelekoolen
To all of Leon’s friends, family, clients and colleagues, our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
Leon, you really did it your way.
