It’s often said that fame can be as addictive as any drug. While I have been doubtful about this notion, Elizabeth Holmes’ ongoing public relations saga has led me to reconsider its validity.

Holmes recently spoke with People magazine, describing her prison experience as “hell and torture.” This expression, interestingly, parallels redundant phrases like “butt and ass” or “dick and cock.” The term ‘hell’, according to Christian theology, fundamentally refers to suffering, which is its purpose.

The People article features several striking images previously used by the New York Times, a fitting choice given the difficulty of capturing photographs of inmates. Despite her incarceration, Holmes’ publicist seems to be tirelessly managing her image. Similar to the Times piece, this profile focuses on Holmes as a dedicated mother who struggles with the separation from her children. “I’m not the same person I was back then,” she tells People, vaguely suggesting she would have made different choices. She continues to characterize Theranos as a failed venture rather than a fraudulent one. Unfortunately for her, it appears that narrative is already exhausted. We are all aware of the untruths.

If I were advising her, I might have chosen a different strategy. For instance, delaying her attempts at redemption by a few years could allow time for the public to forget details like the arduous demands placed on her employees, the false diagnoses involving both HIV and miscarriage, and — not to mention — the myriad of lies she propagated. A waiting period could also provide her with achievements to showcase in an effort to rebuild her image, along with potential endorsements from credible sources praising her character. Perhaps I would suggest she acknowledge the truth about her fraudulent activities, as that honesty could lend her some semblance of credibility.

However, it seems Holmes is unwilling to bide her time or face the truth regarding Theranos. Instead, she shares with People anecdotes about saving her breast milk in an effort to feel closer to her child. There’s also a noteworthy claim: “Later, Holmes spoke to the prison’s warden about allowing women to breastfeed privately, which resulted in the construction of multiple lactation rooms in 2023.” Should I believe that Holmes possesses enough influence in prison to enact such changes, or were these facilities already in the planning stages? This is left ambiguous in People’s narrative.

Furthermore, I question whether her publicist is intentionally choosing uncurious reporters to shape her narrative or if the quality of work is simply lacking at People. Regardless, it feels inconsequential. She may prefer to be called Liz, but to me, she will always be Elizabeth Holmes.