Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of Theranos, may be serving time in prison, but her efforts to reshape her public image continue. In a recent interview with *People magazine*, Holmes spoke about the hardships of life behind bars and the pain of being separated from her children. While this emotional appeal may resonate with some, many critics see it as a calculated move to refocus the narrative away from the massive fraud that led to her conviction.

Shifting the Focus From Fraud to Family

Holmes gained notoriety for claiming that Theranos’ blood-testing technology would revolutionize healthcare, only for the world to learn that the company’s technology never worked as promised. Convicted for defrauding investors, she was sentenced to over 11 years in prison. Despite overwhelming evidence presented during her trial, she continues to frame herself as a misunderstood entrepreneur rather than someone who deliberately misled investors, patients, and the public.

In the *People* interview, Holmes spoke extensively about her role as a mother, highlighting the difficulty of being away from her young children. She described storing breast milk to maintain a connection with them, a detail likely intended to stir public sympathy. While the pain of separation is undoubtedly real, some experts question whether Holmes’ media appearances serve more as an orchestrated campaign aimed at softening her public image than as an expression of genuine remorse.

A Deliberate Media Strategy

This latest move is not Holmes’ first attempt at image rehabilitation. In 2023, *The New York Times* published a profile of her that sought to rebrand her as “Liz” rather than Elizabeth, a subtle but deliberate shift in how she is portrayed. Now, with the *People* magazine feature, her PR strategy follows a familiar pattern—focusing on personal struggles to move the conversation away from her crimes.

Journalists examining her case remain skeptical about this approach. Elizabeth Lopatto of *The Verge* pointed out that media outlets covering Holmes in a more sympathetic light are likely chosen carefully by her PR team. The *People* interview, in particular, lacked the critical scrutiny necessary to hold Holmes accountable for her past actions.

Holmes has also claimed to have influenced policy changes in prison, such as the addition of lactation rooms to support incarcerated mothers. While this paints her as an advocate, there is little concrete evidence that this initiative was a direct result of her efforts. Without verification, such claims contribute to the perception that her redemption tour is more about crafting a new persona than taking responsibility.

Lingering Skepticism and the Road Ahead

Despite Holmes’ attempts to rebuild her image, skepticism remains high. Her unwillingness to fully acknowledge the extent of the deception at Theranos continues to undermine her credibility. Rather than offering a clear and direct apology, she frames herself as a well-meaning entrepreneur whose company simply failed, instead of someone who knowingly misled investors and the public.

While these media appearances may generate brief moments of empathy, they are unlikely to erase the deep distrust many feel toward Holmes. Her prison sentence was reduced, but her reputation remains irreparably damaged. If she hopes to truly rehabilitate her image, it will require more than carefully curated magazine features. True redemption starts with accountability, transparency, and acknowledgment of the harm caused—none of which have been fully embraced in her efforts so far.