Blake Lively is currently facing significant public scrutiny due to her controversial promotional tactics for the film 'It Ends With Us' and past interviews resurfacing online. The film, which deals with the heavy theme of domestic abuse, has sparked debates about Lively's seemingly light-hearted promotional approach. Additionally, past interviews, including a notably uncomfortable one with journalist Kjersti Flaa, have resurfaced, adding to the controversy.
Blake Lively, known for her roles in 'Gossip Girl' and 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,' is at the center of a growing controversy surrounding her latest film, 'It Ends With Us.' The movie, based on Colleen Hoover's novel, tackles the serious issue of domestic abuse. However, Lively's promotional methods and past interviews have sparked backlash from the public and media alike, raising questions about the sensitivity needed when addressing such topics.
As 'It Ends With Us' hits theaters, Blake Lively's promotional approach has been criticized for not adequately reflecting the film's serious subject matter. In various interviews and social media posts, Lively has been seen treating the promotion more like a romantic-comedy rather than a film about domestic abuse, which has not sat well with fans and survivors. For instance, a TikTok video criticized her for promoting the movie 'like a rom-com,' which has amassed over 3 million views, highlighting the disconnect between her promotional style and the film's grave themes [1].
Amid the ongoing drama, several of Blake Lively's past interviews have resurfaced, adding fuel to the fire. Notably, a 2016 interview with Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa, which Flaa described as her worst professional experience, has gone viral. During the interview, Lively's response to a congratulatory comment on her pregnancy was seen as passive-aggressive, which Flaa, who has struggled with infertility, found deeply hurtful. This interview, along with others, has been circulated widely online, prompting discussions about Lively's demeanor and the appropriateness of her responses [2].
The controversy surrounding Blake Lively's promotional tactics and past interviews may impact the public's reception of 'It Ends With Us.' While the film aims to shed light on the serious issue of domestic abuse, the off-screen drama could overshadow its message. Industry experts suggest that the mixed reactions to Lively's approach could either prompt a deeper discussion about the themes of the film or deter audiences who feel that the promotional approach was insensitive [3].
The backlash against Blake Lively's promotional methods for 'It Ends With Us' highlights the challenges celebrities face when discussing sensitive topics. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of tone and context in media promotions, especially when dealing with subjects as serious as domestic abuse. How Lively and the film's team address this feedback moving forward could be crucial in shaping the film's legacy and its impact on audiences.
"You could've gone about this so differently, in such a respectful, tactful, gentle, understanding, advocacy-bringing awareness manner." - Ashley Paige