Carly Danner and Kelby Chichester
Those who keep up with pop culture know the name Blake Lively. She is best known for her roles in popular films and series such as “Gossip Girl,” “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and her most recent credit; the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends with Us.” Lively is now in the spotlight for controversies concerning her stances on sensitive topics, interviews, her working relationships and her treatment of other public figures.
It all started with Lively’s press tour for her movie “It Ends with Us,” a movie about domestic violence. In a video clip promoting the film on TikTok, Lively said, “Grab your friends, wear your florals and head out to see it.” Many found her bubbly attitude tone deaf and inappropriate considering the themes of the movie and book. The book explores themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse. However, the book is still billed as a "romance novel" and it appears that Lively is promoting the film the same way.
Lively also used the press tour to talk about her new hair care line, another move that angered the fans once again due to the heavy themes the film shares. She also made a joke out of it when being interviewed about how fans who personally experienced abuse from a partner should approach her if they saw her in person and wanted to speak with her about domestic abuse. Her joke was “Oh, I can location share you.” Lively has also been wrapped up in an alleged feud with her “It Ends with Us” costar, Justin Baldoni. The feud started when Lively allegedly claimed that Baldoni fat shamed her due to concerns with lifting her for the film due to having back problems.
Lively has also come under heat for her behavior in interviews. This includes using derogatory terms towards the transgender community, stating, "I hope to have a few girls one day. If not girls, they better be trannies, because I have some amazing shoes and bags and stories that need to be appreciated."
Lively’s interview controversies date back to 2016. In a resurfaced 2016 interview in which it was confirmed that Lively was eight months pregnant, and the interviewer, Kjersti Flaa, congratulated her. In response to this, Lively congratulated non-pregnant Flaa back. This comment deeply hurt Flaa, and she even considered quitting journalism. Lively’s comments and behavior in this interview were beyond insensitive towards women who struggle with infertility and body image.
Another It Ends with Us co-star, Brandon Sklenar, defended Lively and stated that she is an advocate for the film’s theme: domestic violence. Sklenar’s statement was, "Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance and for women choosing a better life for themselves. Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about."
Lively has made numerous unkind and controversial comments towards the LGBTQ+ community and domestic abuse, along with women and other groups and it is safe to say she runs the risk of getting canceled.
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