Biscuit controversy, not so cuddly toys, a celebrity sacking and an AI fuelled hate rampage!?
Welcome to this week’s instalment of The Hot List - the pop-culture moments that got everyone talking this week…
Let’s dive right in:
Everyone’s favourite cake (yes you heard that right) Jaffa Cake has a new rival. The Biscuit Museum included Jaffa Cake in its biscuit exhibition, and they weren’t happy about it. Leaning into the great biscuit vs cake debate is VERY on brand for Jaffa Cake, and it's what we’ve all grown to love about the brand. Big PR brownie points. And to make it even better the Biscuit Museum responded - it's giving frenemies.
From one great example of A* brand communications, to one that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Jellycat being caught in a brand scandal definitely wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card, but here we are. If you haven’t seen it, last week they sent some independent retailers a letter telling them they didn’t fit their “official” retailer criteria - ouch. The TOV was cold and harsh, not what you’d expect from everyone's favourite teddy brand. One stockist, Pippin’s Gifts, shared the letter to Instagram and also clapped back in her response - replicating the cold TOV in her reply. And what was the result I hear you ask? 53k engagements and counting, and a comment section full of support.
Christian Horner dismissed from RedBull! I for one didn’t see this one coming, and I’d almost forgotten about that sexting scandal but now it's right back in the spotlight. I even saw a dropbox link containing screenshots of his messages floating around the Twittersphere. Horner made a comment about his dismissal, but I’m so intrigued to stay on this story as it develops. The celeb culture lover in me is so intrigued to see if we’ll ever get a comment from Geri or Christian, however, I predict the same approach as last time - no comment in the hope we forget about it.
This Barbie has Type 1 Diabetes! I don’t know about you, but my FYP has been full of praise for the brand new Barbie doll. It features a glucose monitor, insulin pump and purse, and I loveee the subtle nod to diabetes awareness through the blue polka dot dress. The Barbie movie was such a cultural moment, and I’m so excited to see the brand continue to expand representation.
And finally, big mood shift - Grok went WILD. I’m talking seriously wild. I’m not talking about the ins and outs of exactly what it said (google it if you want to know), but it's another prime example of why the news cycle will continue to revolve around AI for at least the next few years. Get that future of AI thought leadership ready!
And there you have it, its been a whirlwind week of biscuit-based drama, brand blunders, shock celeb news, and AI chaos. From the playful (and strategic) shade between Jaffa Cakes and the Biscuit Museum, to the unexpectedly icy Jellycat scandal, to the jaw-dropping Red Bull shake-up, and finally the AI-fuelled meltdown that reminded us all that tech still needs a babysitter - it’s been a lot.
One thing’s clear: nothing escapes the gaze of the internet. Same time next week? You’ll want popcorn.
