Trolling Across Fandoms: The MLB and Controlling the Narrative

 

You know, it's kind of funny how you can find yourself in a discussion that turns into much more than it should have ever been.  Not only that, but you begin to recognize some familiar territory, if you participate in fandoms which can bring about the existence of gas lighting, planted accounts, compromised media, etc. 

In this case, we are in the sport and fandom of Major League Baseball and a particular team of the Kansas City Royals. ⚾

 

Two days ago, on X (formerly Twitter), the following NY news writer and editor tweeted this:

 

A controversial claim to be sure when talking about trading any MLB veterans, which would make it look like the ball club has waved the white flag on a dismal (to this point) season and might be more interested in rebuilding.  That would be a negative message to the players presently in the clubhouse and also to the fans, many of whom may still have hope for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs.

It should be noted though, the tweet states that the writer was 1) "hearing" the news bit and 2) that Royals' General Manager. J.J. Picollo should start thinking, which wouldn't have necessarily been a gavel throwing order. 

It certainly had made this author hit a panic button, fearing that some of the Royals' veterans could be leaving. But when looking at the tweet again, I should have paid closer attention to those two loopholes.  

The tweet caused instant reactions from the Royals' GM as well as their Vice President of Communications, Sam Mellinger.   

Picollo was asked about the tweet on the mid-day sports talk 96.5 FM radio show merely hours later, to which J.J. adamantly denied the report and said, "the accountability of that writer should be in question".  

[It should be noted that 96.5 FM is the official radio station for the ball club, airing all of their regular season games.  Picollo is a semi-regular guest on the mid-day show.]

Picollo's reaction was followed by the team's VP of Communications Mellinger , who replied directly to Mark Healey on Twitter.

 

Wow, okay.  Getting interesting now, isn't it (if you're a Royals fan, anyway!  😉)  

So then, one of the hosts of the mid-day show, Alex Gold retweeted Mark Healey's tweet to inform fans that J.J. had been on his show and disputed it.

 

 

And then the MLB beat writer for the Royals, Anne Rogers, also chimed in, telling all that it is rare for a rep for the Royals to react to a story:

 

 

On the same day, the other sports talk radio station in town, 810 AM Sports Talk, promptly lined up the tweet originator, Mark Healey, for their afternoon show with its host Soren Petro so that he could share the other side of the story.  

Later that morning, Healey thanked them for the opportunity, along with a link to the segment.

 

 

Phew!  Lots of hullabulloo!  Who would've thought so much activity could come from one tweet?  

I know that this author just hoped it wasn't true because Seth Lugo is a personal favorite pitcher on the Royals' staff and while I know he can opt out after this season, that doesn't mean he couldn't return.  He's proven that he brings so much value to the team due to his extensive tutelage (along with teammate and right-handed pitcher, Michael Wacha), of the other pitchers.  Hard to put a price tag on that kind of knowledge and experience!

HOWever, on the other hand, what is with all of the heavy-handed reaction?  

"accountability of the writer should be in question"?

"That's as false as can be."

"Please kindly stop making things up."

"lol.  Zero truth to it, and you know it." 

 

Fast forward to the next day, where Healey's tweet was brought up on Sports Talk 96.5 FM's morning show, "Bob and Dusty", where a strongly worded lambasting of Healey took place.

 

 

 This is the actual video clip:

I'm not sure what led to name-calling Healey a "jackass", but there it is.  And don't get me wrong.  I very much enjoy this morning show, along with the mid-day show.  Doesn't mean I have to agree with everything said, just like I don't expect everything I say to be agreed with.

Yes, majority owner John Sherman did all of the wonderful things.  Led a large business group to purchase the team in 2019 and has followed up with committing money to sign great players like Bobby Witt, Jr, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo.

But Healey's tweet never named Sherman as his source.  It merely says "Royals ownership" and there are at least 23 different owners!  So, maybe it was one(s) of the other owners who knows Mark Healey and mentioned to him this news bit? 

Or how about this possibility?  What if this "drop" was a test balloon?   What if it was the team's front office's idea to float this, hoping it would light a fire under the players?  After all, no other moves had worked thus far in this challenging and under performing season.

And guess what happened? That same evening, two of the team's leaders, Bobby Witt, Jr and Salvador Perez, both had impactful offensive performances, along with an outstanding pitching performance by Lugo, leading to a 6-1 victory.  

I am not saying it would be a nice idea at all to worry players with such a misleading story.  Just wondering if that's possible.

And finally.

Last thought on this.   The high degree of reaction by all those mentioned above was nearly matched by a one-on-one discussion with a fellow online chat participant yesterday about the tweet and Healey.  

My main point was about how the Royals' general manager had made a similar definitive comment last fall/winter about pitcher Brady Singer (who they would trade to the Cincinnati Reds a couple of weeks later).  From MLB.com, writer Anne Rogers:

 

GM J.J. Picollo at the general manager meetings early November 2024

Even though nothing is ever set in concrete and circumstances can always change, when you see "And he'll continue to do that.  So Brady's a lock in our rotation.  When you look at our top four, Brady is in it.  We'd like to have him because you can never have enough depth."

Well, seems pretty darn encouraging.  But then, on November 22, Brady was traded.  

After having it pointed out on the morning show that members of the Royals organization had denied Healey's report and there were others associated with the team who were incensed about it due to how false they said it was, I mentioned the Brady Singer situation and how does that prove that a denial should be always believed? 

I was met with, "bro even I knew Brady was a possibility to be traded as soon as the playoffs were done"    

Well, what about what JJ said, though?

And, "there's a difference when it's the off-season to say something like that if you're going to reach"  Huh?  How is what I said a reach?  And what's the difference in "when" you say such a pretty solid statement?

This particular blogger and I went back and forth, back and forth.  They proceeded to badmouth Mark Healey (like the Royals had done, and like the morning show host, Fescoe had done).

When it was pointed out that the writer stood by his story and his source, the blogger made this unfounded statement:  "well that's the problem with these days you never have to name a source anymore so you can just make something up" 

Yes, that can apply to Deux Moi?  People.com?  Rolling Stone?  But, in the case of Healey's story, I could understand why he would want to shield his source.  Whoever it was, would likely never give him any more information. 

The final straw came with this reply after I pointed out that I was trying to be open-minded about the story:

"I'm not trying to make fun of you(r) man but like are you open-minded about Flat Earth too cuz a lot of dumb people say that's true as well"  

So the discussion had disintegrated into an insult, which was totally unnecessary.  

For those of us who have engaged with planted accounts and trolls, this has long been a common trait.  Not saying this particular account is a plant, but I found it quite interesting that I was compared to a dumb person who believed in a Flat Earth.  In other words, I was no longer just someone he disagreed with, but a Conspiracy Theorist. Sound familiar?

Finally, with the morning show host Fescoe, J.J. Picollo and this fellow commenter all digging at the writer's credibility and telling everyone not to believe him, I'll just add that he's not just some "random", small newspaper type reporter.

He's an editor-in-chief of The Wave, a newspaper that's existed for over 100 years.  He's a past Assoc. Press writer and he also is an online editor for The Baseball Digest, which is the longest running magazine about baseball.  So that is a respectable career in progress and nothing to be insulted the way it was.

 

credit:  Gotham Nation

 

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If the story is unfounded, "made up", created for clicks, then yes, shame on the writer.

If the story was purposely "leaked" or given to the writer for dropping, by the organization in order to try and light a fire under the players, then it seems an unkind thing to do to them.  If it sets the team out on a win streak, well, at least the purpose provides the desired result.

If the tweet proves to be true, and one or more veterans are traded, it would be surprising but also disappointing.

Is this a huge story?  No.  But it was amazing to watch all of the reactions.  

And finally, the "Flat Earth" comment was an OTT last straw. An indication that perhaps I was not just speaking with another baseball "fan" but someone tasked with a job. Sports, after all, is just another tenacle of the entertainment industry.

 

pic sources:  MLB/Anne Rogers, tenor, 96.5FM The Fan, Wikipedia, Gotham Nation, You 

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our playlist:  Trust in Me - Joe Cocker

                     Precious Illusions - Alanis Morissette

                     Who's Zoomin' Who - Aretha Franklin 

Zayn's Call to Action: This Will Not Be "The Last of Us"

 

As many are aware, Narnia Dispatches has been posting about the entertainment industry and the closeting of celebrities since 2016, with a particular focus on the journeys and struggles of our favorite couples. Throughout those many years, there have been only two occasions where a post has been intended to be both informative and fun as well as a call to action to help change the status quo.

One Direction: Round and Round and Round We Go! 

Proceed with Caution: Possible danger up ahead for the Larrie Fandom

Since the last quarter of 2024, Narnia's efforts have been primarily focused on researching and developing a more in depth understanding about what we believe led up to the culminating events surrounding October 16, 2024. A task somewhat challenging given that the media narrative is still evolving and being "adjusted" in real time. Even so, given the fast tracking of Louis' most recent stunt, and with Zayn's Instagram May 25th messaging today (including Louis' quick 'Like', Zayn's follow back and wearing the Liam red and yellow necklace), we felt an exception was in order. Especially, since October 16, 2024 is directly linked to what is happening now. 

What's more, Harry showing up with his yellow (Goldenrod) Prada "Collapse" Elastic sneakers, that just happens to match the color of Louis' Burberry Alleyn t-shirt that he wore at his Sydney performance last February, stretches the credulity of coincidence beyond reason. Add in the accompanying message of Harry's "anxiety" themed t-shirt and it no longer is an option to remain silent. These guys are talking to us. Loudly. Time to listen while remaining calm as TPTB will inevitably use the media to attack fans and exploit social media to publicly separate Louis and Harry in real time. Raising awareness is part of our damage control. Part of our superpower. 

First and foremost, Harry is right by Louis' side through this next emotional and nerve-racking narrative shift. He's literally wearing the observation that 'Anxiety Has Many Faces' on his t-shirt. The fact that Harry's photo was taken by a co-owner of a PR firm reminds Narnia of this recent post Louis uploaded to his instagram:

The Executive Head of Film is Louis Tomlinson and Chris Frewin ("Former" Cowell/Syco employee) is the Director. Gee, Narnia wonders who has more power in that "collaboration". Still, with so many warning signs and red flags that something nefarious has been put into motion, Narnia believes it's important to speak out now with a targeted "dispatch" that underscores what appears to be the prestaging of a far more ominous and unorthodox attack upon the Larrie fandom. In other words, be aware that this will not be business as usual, although several Sony/Cowell core elements are quite familiar. 

Louis, for instance, is made to appear like he's cooperating, supposedly to help sell product and raise his public profile while growing a male fan base. Accusations hurled at Harry Styles when Holivia was rolled out in 2021. That's why the actual Louis fandom is getting periodic updates about his "working" on LT3. And, that's the reason for his current high-profile straight persona. Secondly, make him look as inauthentic and misogynistic as possible since Management knows Louis' honesty and respect for women always has been two of his biggest selling points. Thirdly, use social media to attack fans who call out the BS. Like the recent "extra toxic" exchange which is a tried and true PR tool dating back to September 16, 2012 and the infamous OG tweet: 

Oh, and let's not forget The London Evening Standard's recent back-to-the-future hit piece. An inexplicable article dropped by Louis' "team" to kick off their new/old narrative of Louis Tomlinson™ on March 12, 2025. Louis looks frozen in time as TPTB return to their 2017 deceitful branding of the Chav Louis public image. Here's part of the fandom's answer to why Syco alumnus, Chris Frewin, followed Louis to Seven 7 Management, Ltd. after Tomlinson publicly "left" Syco (via a tweet) in 2020. Coincidentally, Zayn's current manager, Nicola Carson Nicols, also worked for Sony and Modest Management for years. Narnia is politely using the past tense form, but it's pretty obvious how Simon Cowell/Sony remain very much in charge of these guys' public images, in the actual present. Which means controlling any constructed media narrative marketed to the public. 

The very first sentence of the "Chav" article sets the insulting, negative tone immediately: "Louis Tomlinson still cannot shake the One Direction mob."

Then the reader is fed the following spiteful portrayal:

• growing horde of girls barely in their teens
• some accompanied by their doting fathers
• clothes made in China are being frantically erected
• he lights a cigarette before cracking open a beer 
• he is wearing a fair bit of concealer
• while Tomlinson appears somewhat erratic
• [then the whole grief/loss narrative revisited]
• [return of the Chavvy narrative directly related to Syco branding]

All Narnia can say at this point is, "Welcome to the final show. Hope you're wearing your best clothes."  

What is about to be rolled out over the next several months is reminiscent of Kabuki theater. Ultimately, Niall called his last album, "The Show" for a reason. Just like with the planned content surrounding Liam's very public ruination, TPTB are going to make sure that their fingerprints are removed from every stunt. Every narrative. Every homophobic machination. Analogous to Liam's assigned image and storyline arc, Louis will be shoved out on center stage as a virtual punching bag, with another female "co-star" playing her, "loved up" heterosexual supporting role, while those hiding behind the curtains remain in the shadows and unaccountable. Hopefully, onlookers will be wiser this time around. 

Louis Sydney, Australia yellow (Goldenrod) shirt 2.2.24

With all this as context, Louis has still been able, either through negotiation/tradeoffs, the exploitation of contractual loopholes, or just plain Louis ingenuity, to use his voice to message how he knows his fandom will always be on his side in relation to "what's about to come." Significantly, he did so the day after Harry's 30th Birthday. Emphasizing that whatever is coming will impact them together. He also foreshadowed what was about to take place by being spotted with "Love Island" actors, Phoebe Spiller and Claudia Bonifazi while in Sydney during this same time period. The meeting strategically documented on Instagram for all to see. Translation: Louis is howlin' 'til his lungs hurt that all of this is planned.

Sodramaticpodcast, 2.12.24

Harry's matching yellow (Goldenrod) shoes and anxiety t-shirt) in Italy recently

Given Louis' more than one-year advanced notice of a pending Love Island "connection," those paying close attention know something headline producing is about to happen. Something the fandom has never experienced unless, of course, those individuals lived through Louis' original Babygate back in 2015. October 16th has proven that TPTB are no longer fighting a war of attrition when it comes to covering up their actions and abuses. Especially, as those actions relate to Louis and Liam's Babygates. As part of industry practice, blame and culpability must be transferred to the victims. Not the perpetrators. In the grand scheme, even the selection of Sydney, Australia as Louis' messaging platform last year serves a signaling purpose. A hidden reference (Easter egg) of what is about to come. For Dinosaur Larries that particular proper noun definitely stands out in relation to Louis' Babygate narrative. How could the pre-hiatus fandom forget the name, Sydney Rain?

With this context in mind, upcoming initiatives and plot developments will continue to be tactically rolled out with the primary goal of making sure Louis will be blamed for his portrayal in the media and his industry imposed closet. Babygate scandals being the primary narratives needing to be cleaned up the most.  By the way, that's what part of the lead up and aftermath to 10/16/24 was and is about. At this point in 'The Big Gay War', (Narnia bets that the old timers will appreciate that nostalgic rallying call), the fandom's opponents have decided to go scorched-earth. The "Last of Us" is, after all, a post-apocalyptic world that collapses before it can be rebuilt. The primary conflict is among humans and the overarching theme is about survival. The flesh-eating Zombies in this scenario are the powerbrokers and gatekeepers in the media and the music industries. Oh, and a main character in the TV series shockingly died this season as well. Sound familiar?

Strategically, TPTB applied a flanking maneuver last October and struck first at what they perceived to be the least threatening (less visible) part of 1D's hiatus fandoms: the Ziam supporters. Long-time advocates of the second couple in One Direction, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik (aka, The Quiet Ones). In 2025, this means that only one LGBTQ+ fandom remains within the One Direction family. The one segment that has always been the most intractable and the most publicly well-known: the Larries.

It is no coincidence that when the social media onslaught happened on Friday, 'Larrie Mass Extinction' was the term being used. And this particular account (now terminated), seemed to have accidentally provided more information that they intended. 

Think about it. 

Who is "we"? And why do they want a Larries mass extinction before 2026.  Of course, we could just ignore the sentiment and brush the tweet off as a slip of the "tongue." But, Narnia learned a long time ago, that would be ill advised. Apparently, there are forces involved with this coordinated stunt (remember, it's all planned) that have designated 2025 as the year to destroy Louis and Harry's loyal fanbase, in the aftermath of October 16, 2024. 

And true to his character and his bravery, Zayn has just stepped forward and said, "Not on my watch."  In fact, what's happening right now is eerily similar to the chaos of 2015. Right before Babygate hit the 1D fandom like a sack of bricks to the side of the head on July 14. Zayn was not around during that time to provide any helpful forewarnings regarding the mess created by TPTB to split the fandom and "prove" that all those gay rumors were just fangirl delusions.  But Zayn is here now and we love him for stepping forward as part of the greatest team the world has ever seen. 

Don't forget that Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson (along with his UK Reality TV personality sister, Louise) are all represented by Insanity Talent Management whose Record Label is independently owned under a long-term frontline label partnership with Sony Music UK.  Bingo!  Let's see. We now have a direct connection between McDermott and Sam Thompson AND Rob and Howard Stringer & Simon Cowell.  Never mind that Cowell is one of the most influential power brokers in the UK Reality TV market, represented by synthetic shows like "Love Island."

In fact, back in 2013, the sister of Sam Thompson was paired with Niall, with flashy headline rumors spread by one of Sony/Cowell's favorite go to tabloids, Daily Mail, "exposing" their "secretive" illicit evening together. So Cowell and Sony are very familiar with reality star, Sam Thompson. Fast forward to 2025, and now Louis is being paired with Thompson's ex from out of nowhere. What a small, small world. So organic. So unexpected. So convincing.  /snark 😠

 

Now with Zayn stepping forward today and communicating (via his ballcap) that this is, "The Last of Us," almost like a final stand bugle call, while wearing his Liam necklace, he is asking for all hands on deck.  The guys' message today, is the same as it was in 2015, when they spoke through Rainbow Bondage Bear. We are coming full circle, everyone. This RBB post came the day after the public was informed that "Freddie Reign" had been born. 

January 22, 2016

Louis was confident over a year ago, warning us that something was coming, and that he knew we would be by his and, by extension, Harry's side, no matter what. 

                                            Louis in Sydney, Australia on February 2, 2024

Now we must live up to their trust in us and be there for them. Always remember that TPTB do not view Larries as fans, or even human beings. They view Larries as witnesses to their years of abuses and corrupt business practices. Never forget that witnesses are dangerous to wrongdoers and scoundrels.

Given this high stakes chess game, prioritize resiliency because something most of this fandom has never seen before is coming. Something designed to break us once and for all. Be calm (take a break if necessary), be rested, moisturized and, most importantly, prepared for battle. Come what may, we are all in this together. Anarchy is coming.

Louis' new Anarchy Tattoo, 11.18.23

We go on go

ADDENDUM: Narnia is fully aware that @thelondonbaker baked and delivered a The Last of Us themed birthday cake to Zayn on January 12 and that video footage of the zombie-like confectionary appeared as an Instagram story on his social media. We also know that the HBO series concluded its second season last night on May 25th. What Narnia also knows is that all members of One Direction are experts when it comes to the artform of plausible deniability. Zayn demonstrated his ability to once again walk through the raindrops by pairing his apocalyptic messaging with that red and yellow jeweled Liam necklace. Moreover, Louis quickly liking Zayn's post, and Zayn's follow back, also indicates a subtextual meaning far beyond the mere airing of a TV show. 

Sources:  Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Daily Mail, The Last of Us, The Independent

Our Playlist:  Fireproof - One Direction

                      Through the Dark - One Direction

                      Shining Light - Annie Lennox

Tokyo Marathon 2025, "The Boys", and Broadway's "Othello": Exploiting High Profile Events to Closet Your Fav Couple

 

After nearly five years of dead time in the Supernatural television fandom, it's like no time has elapsed at all when Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles reemerge in 2025 for a new reunion gig.

Nothing has changed one bit because Jared and Jensen still need the third-party fun-inhibitor, aka Jensen Ackles' meard, Misha Collins, wedged between them before they can do a joint project together like the Prime series, "The Boys". 

 

While Cockles fans are acting as if Jared has been the third wheel when it comes to creator Eric Kripke being able to feature intimate interactions between Jensen and Collins' characters, it was always Jared Padalecki who Kripke indicated that he wanted on the show.  

Not Collins.

"the people wanna see Jared join The Boys." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I would love Jared to come in and do a guest spot on the show."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Jared/Jensen reunion would break the internet:

 

 

I don't see Collins mentioned anywhere by Kripke as a game-changer for his show.  Does anyone else?  All I see is Jared's name.

Yet, when the reunion finally happens, who is suddenly shoehorned into the episode/show? Misha Collins.

And who, once again, suddenly has to dig out the Q-Tip beanie to wear during the promo marketing for this upcoming reunion?  Jared.

 

Don't tell Narnia that Jared and Jensen aren't still together when,

1) Collins has to join the episode in order to rev up the "Jenmish" chatter, in addition to serving as the "third-party fun-inhibitor" between Jared and Jensen

and 

2) Jared is, for the 1000th time, minimized in the presence of his RL other half and the ever-present meard. This tells us that nothing has changed.

It's 2014 all over again. And 2015.  And 2016.  And 2017....and so on.

 

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And speaking of nothing changing (that's how it is when you follow the individuals that we do 😏), let's check in with longtime fave couple Jake Gyllenhaal and Austin Nichols.

While Jake is modeling the latest in American battlefield camo, combat boots, and Prison Break Michael Scofield coiffure, his better half has been pretending to be community-entrenched in Austin, TX - complete with lots of photo-shopping and enabling former colleagues!

How a Greek tragedy which is set around the time of the Ottoman-Venetian War between Turkey and (at that time) the Republic of Venice, in the late 16th century, becomes yet another Americanized military-glorifying adaptation should not surprise anyone.  Jake, representative Patrick Whitesell, publicist Mara Buxbaum and Whoever-Else-Is-On-Jake's-Team-That's-Making-These-Military-Maga-ish role decisions, obviously are in agreement that the more camo and combat/construction boots they can put on Jake, maybe, just maybe there's still a chance of making another Mark Wahlberg out of him.  

Despite some questionable fashion choices and time period setting, Othello still seems to be off to a good start on Broadway during preview performances and we like to see that for Jake.  After last night's official opening, we wish Jake nothing but great success on his new endeavor which will last through early June.

In terms of social media, it looks like this year's enabling "fan" accounts on X, formerly Twitter, that have suddenly appeared from out of nowhere, are named "Gyllenbrina" and "Kinghalll" (cool, original names, btw!).   If any of our readers happen to be perusing through Jakers' X search, both of these users will be in full force promoting his play, posting old photos in addition to stage door videos - and calling the 44-year-old actor, "bbygrl".  

Hey, interns, I mean Jake's fans, he's been around the block more than a few times (in those 44 years 😉) and he's got kids old enough to drive.  I think he's long surpassed that "babygirl" stage.  Come on, Mara.  😬

In any event, here's Jake taking a camo bow with a military-clad Denzel Washington during previews:

 

And while Jake was rehearsing on Broadway, Austin reappeared on his Instagram, allegedly in Austin, TX.  There was Austin, grilling steaks with some random guy we have no idea who he is, 

 

and of course, plenty of the family pupper, Otis!   Austin is also working out, then working out again, hanging with Otis, and working out some more.  😉.  

 

In the midst of all this, he did some great work supporting and promoting the stars of the movie he filmed in Georgia back in 2023 - The Six Triple Eight.   He also allegedly visited the Texas capitol to campaign for incentives for filming in the state.  

Austin in the ever-present black attire, of course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aaah yes, here's Paul Wesley again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, allegedly Austin attended the Austin TX Ladies Open with actor Paul Wesley.

Sidenote:  Isn't it interesting how Paul Wesley bounces to and from whoever needs GPS location assistance. 

Or, in another case, when Sony/Cowell needed him. Liam Payne fans will recognize him as having once "dropped" into Liam's "circle" in March 2022 (Los Angeles, Taste of the Future, right before Accentgate at the Oscars) and July 2023 (Saint Tropez, France along with respective beards to curiously celebrate Wesley's 41st birthday).

 

Before Wesley was helping out Sony/Cowell, he was helping to place Austin in Tulum, Mexico with Chlo Bennett back in 2016.  Who could forget the photoshop mess that was Tulum?

Obviously, Chlo's feet aren't a match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amateur Hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a hysterical presentation. 😂😄 Those photos and that entire "outing" will go down in photoshop history. 🏆

It's always fun to see Austin though.  We like his hair cut shout-out to his guy, Jake.  Look at these two. 😍

Harold and his big, tall Texan crayon 😉😍

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 😽

 

🖍🖍🖍🖍🖍🖍🖍🖍🖍🖍

I killed myself on that last one.  LOL!!! 😅

From the worn and tattered, most popular pages of the handbook for How To Separate a Closeted Couple, we've had Harry Styles everywhere but anywhere near wherever Louis Tomlinson is.  Jake's in NYC?  Then sure enough, Austin "must be" in Austin TX!  Jensen Ackles is filming in Canada?  Then of course, Jared must be in Austin, TX, as well.  Louis steps back out into the public spotlight due to performances in London and Mumbai.  So, of course, we suddenly see Harry on a worldwide tour.  

Sheesh.  Set the clocks to these GPS phenomena. 

Interestingly enough, the shenanigans began with both Louis and Harry being in London.  While Louis was performing in London at Electric Brixton on March 6.  And Sabrina Carpenter was performing in London as well on March 8 and 9.  Sony made sure that it appeared Harry was in the concert mood, but opting for Sabrina's concert instead of Louis'.   

You can't even positively tell this is supposed to be Harry or his body double (allegedly at Sabrina Carpenter's concert 03.08)

 

And a marathon, you say?  Shots from behind, quick videos, over-dressing?  Why are so many of the runners in tank tops and short sleeves. The temperature at the start of the race was 55°F, so interesting with the headband, the long-sleeved jacket, the Air Pods, etc.  Too many tattoos to photoshop, Sony?  

As photos were "leaked" at a maple syrup drip's pace, there were too many pics with the bodies on top of one another.  Too large of feet to match the legs.  Too many legs in one spot.  In this photo below, you can see the diagonal line where two different skin tones were merged. Darker on top, lighter below.   Same old story. Or as Louis said back in November 2023, "These days you can't work out what's f*ckin' AI and what ain't".  Ta, Louis.

Here's another mess:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I mean, what are we doing here?   Talk about losing unnecessary brain cells looking at so many of those "candid shots" and videos.  It would appear that Sony and the Azoff's have likely found themselves a halfway decent Harry doppelganger. 

The big GPS placement was of course, the Tokyo marathon.  Photos galore.  Tabloid coverage.  Videos of the doppelganger, we mean Harry. Oh, and let's not forget that on the same day of the marathon, Runner's World website posted an article about Harry's participation.

Forgive our cynical selves, but none of this is good enough.  A LIVE video of Harry being interviewed at the race, complete with runners crossing the finish line is needed.  On the morning news. Without the dark glasses, headband and black long-sleeved hoodie, please. Throwing the fandom a bone with the sudden reveal of those thigh high Civita pet tattoo names doesn't satisfy either. The tried and true, throw the fandom a bone and they'll be silent about the rest, rolled out once again. 

Because after nearly 15 years of lies, corruption, chaos, and deception, these teams can't be trusted to tell the truth.  We have compromised media helping to enable these manipulations.   So LIVE telecasts are about where we're at with this nonsense.  If a U.S. presidential candidate can fake an assassination attempt, you don't think a celebrity can't be faked at a marathon?  Think again. Registering with his full name for all to see to provide proof he was there, doesn't pass mustard either. With a spectator count around two million and participants set at 37,785, Mr. Private suddenly wants everyone to know he was there. Try again. And, why so many resources and effort for one stunt? Well, Louis played in London just four days later and then was flying to Mumbai (One of the largest music festivals in the world) for a huge Lollapalooza performance. Got to make sure there's plenty of online "documentation" that Harry can't even be bothered.  

Like Oh My Godot's Grand Poobah once said:  

Sometimes you have to go big, to hide big. 

It always circles back around to Louis and Harry (Larrie).  Nearly 15 years later.

It always circles back around to Liam and Zayn (Ziam).  Although TPTB feel smugger about that pairing since October 16, 2024.

It always circles back around to Jared and Jensen.  Even 20 years later.

It always circles back around to Jake and Austin.  Yes, they're the kingpins at 23 years later.

The manipulations inevitably circle back around to ... other ... deeply closeted couples.  

 

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We're going to end this post with Travis Kelce, All Pro, Pro Bowl tight end for the KC Chiefs, regarding a couple of items.

The observation is one that we will also be delving into with more detail at a later time because it's a practice that TPTB have been doing for a while, not just with Travis, but with a couple other individuals that we follow here.  However, we're going to only briefly touch on it in this Musings. 

In the case with Travis, the PR tactic has been implemented almost since his fauxmance with Shifty, aka Taylor Swift, began.  

The tight end hadn't been seen since the disastrous Super Bowl game in early February, one which the Chiefs were obliterated, 40-22 😱. 

Supposedly, he and Shifty stepped out in New York City to go to dinner on March 14.  And the photos show Travis in loose, baggy clothing in order to make him look overweight.  From People magazine:

allegedly Mar 14, 2025 via People

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

just how long is that plain white T anyway?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This wardrobe practice has been going on for awhile.  When TPTB aren't making him look like he's wearing tarps, they're photo shopping added pounds and rolls onto him.  

So that X (formerly Twitter) accounts like planted Shifty "fan" Scott Tea can comment on Travis' alleged weight gain to aid in the narrative that Travis is slovenly, doesn't care about his fitness, has greatly slowed down in speed and thus, is no longer of value to the Chiefs and should retire.

Flashback to the 2023-24 post season, when planted account Scott Tea (his old original X name) used a photo shopped pic to try and sell that Travis was grossly overweight.

 

 

 

 

Again, we're going to delve into this in much more detail in a later post.  But to be brief, Tea used photoshop in his screenshot as you can see here, the joining of two arms reflected by the backwards L-shape of different skin tones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOT only that, but in other videos and photos, Travis clearly wasn't sporting blatant Michelin tires around his waist.  Like with Patrick, I think their weight can fluctuate at times, but the picture that Tea and other sheep accounts are trying to paint is totally exaggerated and therefore, false. Here he was in the celebratory Super Bowl locker room in '24.

 

One reason for the demeaning narrative is to aid in the "Travis has slowed down and is washed up" narrative and "needs to retire" mantras.  In addition, since the planted accounts love to hyperfocus on the name calling of "slob", there seems to be a desire by TPTB to put down and belittle (aka keep in check) the closeted celebrity.  The sudden and oftentimes explosive success of a closeted celebrity (namely one who is in a serious relationship with say, a band mate, a fellow actor, or teammate) seems to often lead to forced controversies, bad habits (drunkenness, alleged unruly or violent behavior), and "good-ol'-boy" cheating.  Just to name a few.  Anything to make these guys look a) unworthy or b) like a Gaston.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LATE BREAKING!!

Opening night for Jake and Denzel Washington's Broadway play Othello was last night.  We're excited to see that Austin (as well as longtime friend Matthew K Frost) were in attendance!   Great to see this.

 

 And here's Austin and Frost:

 

Narnia wants to ask Austin where was Otis?  😉  

We're just joking, just joking.  What a fun surprise today; heaven knows we can use any that we can get. 

🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭

 

And so, what a way to end a Musings, right?  Thanks for visiting and never fear, we'll be back!  😂

 

collaboration:  Prairie Girl and Methodical Muser

pic sources:   MLP Forums, MariaEd48912372 on Super bowl video, People, Just Jared, The Crooked,

our playlist:   Still the Same - Bob Seger

                     You Can't Change That - Raydio

                      Full of Life - Christine and the Queens

                      Catch My Fall - Billy Idol

                      Change - Tears for Fears

Louis Tomlinson's Doncaster Duperies: Ringing in the New Year

 

Given last week's holiday shenanigans, a few friendly reminders need to be refreshed to provide a much-needed context to explain out-of-the blue photoshopped images, video footage that cannot be time-verified, and a tiresome het-driven narrative rekindled.

OTP Public Separation Rule #1 which apparently needs to be reviewed once more:

Rule #1:  Birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Anniversaries, Easter, 4th of July, Memorial Day weekend (yes, even Memorial Day weekend because in America, it's also known as a big "vacation" weekend).  These occasions are known as times for families, friends, significant others, and partners to want to be together.

So, like Groundhog Day, TPTB are going to do all they can to convince the public that an OTP is most definitely not together during holidays and special occasions.  Not surprisingly, the most cost effective and efficient way to convey this physical separation is to post manips and/or other visual images on social media to place the couple far apart from one another. If family can be used to amp up the authenticity, even better. 

Case in point.  Jake Gyllenhaal and Austin Nichols.

The holiday months of November and December are known as birthday months for their closeted children, as well as for Jake himself on December 19. Not surprisingly, under the radar Jake Gyllenhaal suddenly begins to be shown in NYC with the pretext that he is preparing for his big Broadway show Othello, co-starring Denzel Washington.  Here's Jake, for instance, with one of his many meards, director Denis Villeneuve, allegedly backstage at the Gotham Awards, held December 2, 2024.

That's some pretty creepy shadowing for an awards show don't you think?

So, where's Austin?  Who is usually placed in Austin, Texas. Oh, well, he's been conveniently cast in a sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer, and guess what? It's filming in .... Australia!  LOL - could you get these two guys any further apart in the month of December? Two different hemispheres of separation. 

Here's Austin using his Instagram, to let everyone know he's in Australia, in the event anyone missed it.

And then predictably back in Austin, TX for a family Christmas. The pic was posted to social media on December 25 in case anyone wondered where he is spending the holiday. Remember, everything's planned. Then executed for public consumption:

This same separation tactic has been carried out by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles' team for well over a decade.  

And Narnia isn't just talking about the times when work is involved (touring, TV or movie filming, fan conventions, etc.), but specifically SAG holidays or some other special day, people and couples tend to share during down times.  If possible, Management is going to try to prove that an OTP is not even in the same state.  Bank on it.

When this happens, take pause and ask why would circumstances be any different when the special occasion is not only the Christmas holiday, but Louis Tomlinson's birthday, which just so happens to fall on Christmas Eve?  For TPTB, this is a double whammy!

True to form, Sony did not disappoint to exploit the opportunity to rile up the Larrie fandom while unleashing the trolls and other nonbelievers.  First came the photoshopped drop, with Louis exhibiting an impressive wingspan. Oh, and notice how the color black is "worn" so often?  Everyone's in black, all the time. Even during Christmastime when people tend to opt for more festive colors.

Now, why might that be?  Well, because this way, areas where people are merged together can be blended more easily and pant lines don't have to be visible. No way of identifying where one person's leg ends, and another person's body begins.  In other words, the color black hides the photoshop merging.  It's like one big mass of well, the color black.

 

The hand:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surely someone is looking at these images on a device other than their phone. This manip, for instance, is one of the least believable.  A photoshop so terrible that management gaslighting of the Larrie fandom comes to mind.

The sweater:

Here's a closer look.

 

Hmmm

 One more time. 

 

 

 

 

It's easy to see what can be missed when just a cell phone is relied upon to look at these photos.

Louis' face is a mess.  The fan's fingers are a merger of two hands - and the change in skin tones at the knuckles can be easily seen (is her gigantic hand even resting on Louis' shoulder?). Look at the difference in Louis' bangs and the merging of the tops of two different heads of hair.

Now some fans have already approximated the original age of Louis in the sweater clad photo that was used given that the pic is obviously of a much, much younger Louis Tomlinson.  Other fans also recognized that he had worn that sweater back in November 2022 for Faith in the Future Album Promo Day. Therefore, we are to believe that a teenage Louis is wearing a sweater that he wasn't even seen in until he was nearly 31. In other words, that's some pretty serious time traveling going on here.

But even if fans were unable to pre-date the photo (like Narnia), one could just look at this mess of a composite and be able to see that it's fake.

Remember:  all that's required is for one photo to be manipulated to discredit the remainder of the other released batch of visual cues.  And then when the same cardigan is strategically "draped" over a piece of furniture in the background of a Snapchat video conveniently posted on Louis' Birthday by one of his sisters, well hey - Louis must have been in Doncaster!  Right? That's the "same" cardigan!  And hey, when that "spot the cardigan evidence" is posted by Phoebe Tomlinson, well fans want to believe that she would not post something that wasn't true.  Confirmation bias takes care of the rest - those who never wanted to believe that Louis and Harry were together in the first place. Mission accomplished. 

Just remember that Phoebe may not have been proactively involved. A Sony intern could easily access her account to post the video. 

Come on, Sony.  This is so lame, it's not funny.

 

TPTB should be embarrassed.  This isn't Amateur Hour.  

Or (as Harry would say), is it?  😜

Okay, let's move on to another classic example of visual manipulation. The technique of "sliding" Louis in from the side, a common trademark of photoshopping placement.  This way, digital artists don't even have to try and re-size, align, merge, etc.  They just have to "slide" the celebrity in halfway.

Notice, here's more of the color black.  Let's face it, if someone is a fan and that person gets to meet Louis and have him pose for a photo but cuts off half of his face, why wouldn't s/he take another one?  Why are you cutting off half of Louis?  

Of course, there's something strange about that photo from the beginning, barring a "halved" Louis. There's the person in the middle who is obviously there but positioned too far back to be believable, while the shorter "fan" is then pasted in front of her. Are these two people even in the same place? This is what is called a composite photo. A pic where two images are layered together to create a new, unified photograph. Slide a photo of Louis in from the side and there it is. Wow! A photo of Louis partying with some random girls in Doncaster on his birthday!!!

Here is another photo, where it's pretty clear that a little too much has been cut off from Louis' leg, legs which should not look that "far away".   It's also amusing how that bust line was pasted (smashed) up against what looks like Louis' stomach.  But, hey - in addition to the separation, it's important to sell that het too. 

And to make Louis' out and about'ing in Doncaster that day look more legit, there was even a video.  But was there anything about the video which time-stamped it?  Could have been recorded at any time.

Are we picking on Louis?  Absolutely, not.  But this is his image being used by Sony to continue to sell their tiresome narratives. 

Most likely, Louis simply wasn't in Doncaster over the holiday and to celebrate his 33rd birthday.  He was with his SO, Harry Styles.

Namely, somewhere else.

😊

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And speaking of PR laziness, Jake Gyllenhaal's team, who have needed to place him in New York City over the SAG holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah to New Year's, have his Instagram account simply post a video story about a NYC bakery called, "From Lucie".  Oh, he's not in it. Just the power of suggestion that he must be in NY. Because, no surprise, the bakery is located in the East Village. In fact, the establishment is coincidentally only a few miles from the Ethel Barrymore Theater where Jake's performance in Othello will be running in the spring and where he has likely been rehearsing on and off, but not necessarily during Thanksgiving. Or his Birthday. Or Christmas. Or New Year's. In fact, after posting this speculation, Narnia can't wait to see what new proof his team will be releasing in the near future to assure us all he is in fact in NYC. Remember teams have patterns and are oh-so-predictable in their closeting habits.  

 

Jake's Insta story from this past Thanksgiving on goodies from the same bakery, From Lucie. 😉

Just another example of how these kinds of mutual business arrangements work out for both parties.  It's too bad that geographic placement in order to separate an OTP, is sometimes one of the goals behind them.

🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

 

Who's going to be the latest friend, colleague, past co-star, actors' union, fellow closeted peer to help "speak up" for victimized Blake Lively?  How many Just Jared posts have there been on this story?

 

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Narnia expects and has already seen numerous photo manipulations involving Chiefs' players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.  We've noticed them with some KC Royals players.  Let's hope this is not becoming an all-too-often unnecessary trend.  

The majority of fans in Kansas City are not watching these athletes this closely.  They want to cheer the teams on, attend games, tailgate, buy merchandise.  They're not invested in their personal lives unless something news-worthy happens.  So why are these two local organizations going overboard with their photoshopping - it's becoming too commonplace.  

This "sighting" is allegedly from New Year's Eve last night, involving Chiefs' defensive linebacker Nick Bolton.

This is how it'll look on your phone.

Looks okay at first glance, right?  And hey! How spontaneous, credible and organic does this look because they're in the pasta/rice aisle! Athletes after all are all about the carbs.  😉 

Well, something looks kind of off though... let's blow this up.

The bottom half of her face is larger than the top.  It's not aligned right at all.  Those are two faces merged together to form one.

The shelving in the top several rows also don't quite look aligned (?), but I think the point has been made.

 

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 

* LATE BREAKING *  01-01-25

Oh hey, guess what?  Another round of Louis Tomlinson out-and-about celebrating the New Year with fans.  Lots and lots and lots of fans!  No family to be seen.  Any recognizable lads??  No?   

Nope, just lots of strangers, I mean fans.  Narnia doesn't have the blogger space to keep posting all these photos and videos, Louis?!   😂  We don't know who all these people are.  

We at Narnia are just wondering why are there so many Louis Tomlinson "fans" gathering around wherever he goes?  And no sign of streamers, "Happy 2025!" signage, balloons, party favors and hats, confetti, horns, where is all of that? Even more curious is that Laddy Lad Louis doesn't even have a drink in his hand in any of these establishments. Not even a beer. What in the heck kind of party or street celebrating goes on in Doncaster during New Year's celebrations?

Because, once again, there was nothing in the latest batch of photos and videos released that time stamps when they were conducted/taken.   

Demand more from these lying social media teams. Don't reward them with anger or frustration. That implies they are doing a good job.

This fan gets it, folks:

 

 

 

Please don't blame Louis.  This is what Sony wants.  It's no different from any other holiday/anniversary/birthday prior to this.  Despite some loosening of the reins in other areas, there are two words which we must remind everyone of:

Simon. Jones.

Simon Jones is still at the helm of Louis' image.  

Just like the real death of Heath Ledger torpedoed what remained of the Brokeback Mountain fandom and Jack Twist/Ennis DelMar fan fiction on Live Journal. No doubt one of the intentions from the alleged death of Liam Payne was to extinguish the Ziam fandom once and for all.  

Those are two different situations, but this author feels that Sony may have learned what happened when Heath passed away and how it really decimated the Brokeback fans and any further inspiration for fanfic.

Ziam was real.  Ziam is real.  But this alleged "death" of Liam will quiet those fans and the continuation of accompanying fan fiction.  

Larrie is still very much active online and Sony's not going to relent in their intent to destroy the majority of Larrie believers and fandom.  

Don't let TPTB run roughshod over you. 

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

* Later BREAKING * 1-05-25

Another classic example of how closeting and media manipulation works. Fans question the veracity of Louis' placement in Doncaster during the New Year's 2025 celebration and TPTB swoop in and use mass media to "document" and market their "official" narrative. What a surprise that the Daily Fail tabloid (one of Cowell's go-to enablers) is more than happy to comply with supplying the "authoritative" evidence. 

Narnia especially loved the use of Facebook as the community gathering hole for local responses and what a nice touch to "explain" why the hometown lass, Lottie Tomlinson, wasn't there for some family time. Thus, another thread added to an already-tall tale being spun. 

Once again, thanks to TPTB for telling the public what they somehow desperately "needed" to know (even though no one was asking) about Louis's holiday whereabouts. 

Oh, and Louis. Please say hello to Harry for us. Wherever you two are.  Happy New Year!

Louis is just a hometown lad

Collaboration:  Prairie Girl and Methodical Muser

pic sources:  giphy, Google Maps

our playlist:  Happy New Year - ABBA

                     What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme

                     Auld Lang Syne - James Taylor

                     Same Auld Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg