Blake Lively, a Hollywood A-lister known for her roles in films like The Shallows and A Simple Favor, is now at the center of controversy. Her latest project, It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has thrust her into the spotlight, but not just for her performance. Fans are reacting strongly to how Lively has been handling the film’s promotion, especially given the sensitive themes of domestic violence that the story tackles.
A Role Met with Mixed Reactions
In It Ends With Us, Lively takes on the complex role of Lily Bloom, a woman caught in a love triangle while grappling with her traumatic past. The film, which intertwines themes of love and domestic violence, has received praise for Lively’s portrayal. Critics and audiences alike have commended her for bringing depth to a character who is not only a victim but a survivor of her circumstances.
However, despite the accolades, Lively has faced significant backlash, particularly concerning her promotional efforts for the film. Fans have accused her of focusing more on her appearance and personal brand during press tours rather than the serious issues at the heart of the movie.
The Instagram Story That Ignited the Fire
The controversy reached its peak when Lively shared a series of Instagram stories addressing the issue of domestic violence. The posts seemed to be a response to the criticism she had been facing. In one story, she reshared an interview clip with BBC News, where she discussed her character, Lily Bloom. Lively emphasized that Lily is
“not just a survivor, and she’s not just a victim,”
adding that the character’s journey is about defining oneself beyond traumatic experiences.
In the following slide, Lively posted a more direct message about domestic violence, including a hotline link for immediate help. While the intent behind the posts might have been genuine, many fans saw it as a hasty attempt at damage control rather than a sincere effort to raise awareness.
Fans Respond: “Too Little, Too Late”
Social media erupted with reactions to Lively’s posts. On Instagram, user @tiffanie.vu voiced what many were thinking:
“Sis an Instagram story after all that’s come out is not going to fix your image.”
This sentiment was echoed by thousands, with the comment gaining significant traction online. Another user pointed out,
“This was my first thought. Too little too late. The stories were honestly weird to see from her now. That should’ve been the energy the day it was released.”
The criticism didn’t stop on Instagram. On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed their disappointment and frustration. One tweet read,
“Blake Lively posting this on IG after her ass has been getting called out for the press tour for It Ends With Us just being her and Ryan’s side business hustle…a clown.”
Another user added,
“Blake Lively is doing some serious damage control on her IG story. The ick I’ve got from her during this entire It Ends With Us press tour has been insane. The movie is about DV and she’s constantly talking about her outfits like hello??? Read the room.”
A Stark Contrast in Promotion Styles
The contrast between Lively’s promotional efforts and those of her co-star, Justin Baldoni, has been a key point of contention. Baldoni, who also directs the film, has taken a more serious approach, frequently discussing the challenges of adapting a story centered on domestic violence. This has only fueled fans’ frustration, as they see Lively’s focus on fashion and aesthetics as tone-deaf given the film’s subject matter.
The timing of Lively’s Instagram story—days after the film’s release and amidst growing criticism—has only added to the perception that her post was more about managing her public image than genuinely advocating for a cause.
Fans Defend Lively: A Case of Misunderstanding?
While the backlash has been intense, Lively isn’t without her defenders. Some fans argue that the actress has been addressing the serious themes of the film all along, citing her interviews and discussions where she’s delved into the complexities of her character and the importance of the film’s message. They suggest that the criticism might be an overreaction or a misunderstanding of Lively’s intentions.
The Bigger Picture: The Importance of Authentic Advocacy
This controversy highlights the challenges celebrities face when addressing sensitive issues. While Lively’s role in It Ends With Us brings attention to the topic of domestic violence, the manner in which she engages with this subject in her public persona is under intense scrutiny. Fans and critics alike are calling for more than just surface-level gestures—authenticity and consistency are crucial when dealing with topics that affect millions of lives.
It Ends With Us is still playing in theaters, continuing to spark conversation both on and off the screen.
