The movie It Ends With Us has been making headlines, but not just for its storyline. Recently, the cast, including Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, has faced backlash after old interviews resurfaced. These interviews have sparked controversy, particularly around how Blake Lively handled questions during a 2016 interview when she was pregnant. This article explores the events leading up to the backlash, the reactions from the public, and the impact this has had on the movie and its stars.
The Interview That Sparked Controversy
In 2016, Blake Lively did an interview while she was pregnant. During this interview, a reporter congratulated her on her “little bump,” a comment meant to be lighthearted. However, this interaction did not go as planned. The reporter, who was not pregnant, later revealed that the experience made her want to quit her job. She felt ignored and dismissed by both Blake Lively and her co-star, Parker Posey, during the interview.
The reporter shared that at times, Blake and Parker seemed to completely ignore her questions. For example, when she asked about their costumes, the conversation was quickly diverted. This left the reporter feeling uncomfortable and out of place. The interview has since gone viral, leading to a wave of criticism against Blake Lively for her behavior during the exchange.
Blake Lively’s Response and the Public’s Reaction
Blake Lively has always been known for being private and protective of her family. According to a source close to the actress, Blake is fiercely protective of her children and family, which may explain why she reacted the way she did during the interview. The comment about her pregnancy might have been a trigger for her, leading to the awkward interaction with the reporter.
Despite the criticism, Blake has not publicly addressed the backlash. However, her actions during the promotion of It Ends With Us suggest that she continues to focus on her work and family. The public’s reaction has been mixed, with some defending Blake’s right to privacy and others criticizing her for not handling the situation better.
The Role of Fashion in Blake Lively’s Promotion Tour
Fashion has always been a big part of Blake Lively’s public image. During the promotion tour for It Ends With Us, she made fashion a talking point. This has drawn attention away from the controversy, at least temporarily. However, the viral interview from 2016 has reminded people of the challenges that can arise during public appearances, especially when personal matters like pregnancy are involved.
Blake’s focus on fashion during the tour shows how she uses style as a way to connect with her audience. It’s also a reminder of the pressures that celebrities face to maintain their image, even when dealing with personal challenges.
Creative Control and the Making of “It Ends With Us”
Blake Lively played a significant role in the production of It Ends With Us. As a producer, she was hands-on and fought to keep certain elements in the movie, such as Lana Del Rey’s song “Cherry.” There was some debate about whether to include the song, as it was considered “too charged and heavy” by some. However, Blake stood her ground, and the song remained in the final version of the movie.
This level of creative control shows Blake’s dedication to the project and her willingness to fight for what she believes is best for the film. It also highlights the challenges that come with being both an actor and a producer. Balancing these roles can be difficult, especially when dealing with external pressures and criticism.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni: Separate Screening Rooms and Creative Tensions
During the premiere of It Ends With Us, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni sat in separate screening rooms. This sparked rumors of a feud between the two, with some speculating that it was related to creative control over the film. However, there has been no confirmation of any conflict between them. In fact, the head of Sony Pictures Entertainment praised Blake for her work on the movie and expressed interest in working with her on future projects.
The separation at the premiere could have been for any number of reasons, but it has added fuel to the rumors surrounding the production of the movie. Despite this, both Blake and Justin have continued to promote the film and have not publicly addressed any tensions.
The Possibility of a Sequel: “It Starts With Us”
With the success of It Ends With Us, there has been buzz about a sequel based on the follow-up book It Starts With Us. Justin Baldoni’s production team currently owns the rights to the book, and there is speculation about whether he will take on a similar role in the sequel. When asked about it, Justin was non-committal, saying that it would depend on how things unfold in the future.
Blake Lively, on the other hand, seems to be considering a different role for the sequel. There is talk that she might be interested in directing the next movie, which would be a new challenge for her. This would align with her growing involvement in the production side of filmmaking and could offer her a chance to further assert her creative vision.
The Impact of Backlash on the Movie and Its Stars
The backlash surrounding the resurfaced interviews has undoubtedly had an impact on the promotion of It Ends With Us. While the movie itself has received attention for its storyline and performances, the controversy has cast a shadow over its release. This situation highlights the challenges that celebrities face in maintaining their public image, especially when past actions come back to haunt them.
For Blake Lively, the backlash has brought renewed scrutiny to her behavior during the 2016 interview. While some fans continue to support her, others have expressed disappointment. This has added pressure to her already demanding role as both an actor and a producer.
Justin Baldoni has also been affected by the controversy, although to a lesser extent. His focus on the creative aspects of the film has kept him somewhat removed from the backlash, but as a key figure in the project, he is still involved in the overall response to the situation.
Lessons Learned: Handling Public Scrutiny
The situation surrounding It Ends With Us and the resurfaced interviews offers some valuable lessons about handling public scrutiny. For celebrities like Blake Lively, it is a reminder of the importance of being mindful of how they interact with the media. Even seemingly small comments or actions can have a lasting impact, especially in the age of social media, where everything can go viral.
For the public, this situation highlights the need to approach such controversies with a balanced perspective. While it is important to hold public figures accountable for their actions, it is also important to consider the context and challenges they face.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
As the dust begins to settle from the backlash, both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are likely to continue focusing on their careers. Blake’s potential interest in directing the sequel to It Ends With Us could open new doors for her in the film industry. Her experience as a producer has already shown her capability in handling creative projects, and directing could be the next logical step.
Justin Baldoni, with his production team holding the rights to It Starts With Us, will also play a key role in the future of the franchise. His involvement in the sequel will depend on various factors, but his past success suggests that he will continue to be a significant figure in the project.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Celebrity and Public Expectations
The backlash faced by the cast of It Ends With Us serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in being a public figure. Celebrities like Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are constantly under scrutiny, and their actions are often magnified in the public eye. This can lead to misunderstandings and controversy, as seen with the resurfaced interviews.
Moving forward, both Blake and Justin will need to navigate these challenges carefully. By learning from past experiences and staying focused on their work, they can continue to succeed in their careers while managing the expectations of their audience. In the end, the success of It Ends With Us will depend not only on its storyline but also on how its stars handle the public’s response to the controversies surrounding the film.