Heather Schwedel, a staff writer at Slate, dives into the swirling drama surrounding Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. They discuss Lively's fluctuating public image, shaped by her past roles and current controversies. The conversation explores the backlash against the film 'It Ends With Us,' revealing how promotional strategies can backfire. Insights into Baldoni’s shift from actor to advocate highlight the complexities of tackling serious themes like domestic violence in Hollywood. Finally, the couple's legal entanglements add another layer to the already complicated narrative.
Blake Lively's public image is shaped by a blend of celebrity friendships and controversies, influencing how her marketing strategies are perceived.
The legal conflicts between Lively and Justin Baldoni underscore significant issues related to gender dynamics and the treatment of women in Hollywood.
Deep dives
Blake Lively's Public Image and Recent Controversies
Blake Lively's public persona is complex, marked by both widespread recognition and a contentious reputation. Her marriage to Ryan Reynolds and friendships with celebrities like Taylor Swift contribute to her prominence, yet past decisions, such as her wedding on a plantation and her aggressive marketing of personal products, have sparked criticism. The podcast delves into how Lively's early role as a queen bee on 'Gossip Girl' has influenced public perception, portraying her as beautiful yet intimidating. This duality became more pronounced during the promotion of her recent film, 'It Ends With Us', where her marketing strategies were misunderstood and led to speculation about her professionalism.
The Turmoil Surrounding 'It Ends With Us'
The film 'It Ends With Us', based on a novel about domestic violence, became the center of controversy due to its promotional dynamics and alleged interpersonal conflict between Lively and co-star Justin Baldoni. Fans noticed that Lively and Baldoni were not promoting the film together, leading to rampant rumors of tension and conflict on set. Critics also highlighted instances where Lively's lighthearted promotions for a serious subject matter appeared tone-deaf, fueling backlash on social media. The entire situation escalated when Lively's negative portrayal was magnified, transforming public discourse from constructive criticism to outright disdain.
Legal Battles and Claims of Harassment
The tension culminated in legal battles where Lively accused Baldoni and the film's producers of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her. Lively detailed multiple instances of discomfort on set, claiming that inappropriate discussions and unapproved actions violated her boundaries during filming. Conversely, Baldoni responded with a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, denying the claims and framing the narrative as unfairly biased. This legal back-and-forth highlights not only personal disputes but also broader implications regarding gender dynamics and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.
After a summer on the receiving end of the internet’s ire, Blake Lively is back in the news, as her relationship with her former director and co-star Justin Baldoni has taken a turn for the litigious.
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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.