Heather Schwedel, a culture staff writer at Slate, dives into the tangled web of Blake Lively's public image and her latest legal issues with Justin Baldoni regarding the film 'It Ends With Us.' The discussion covers the controversies surrounding their promotional tactics and the shifting narrative of domestic violence in cinema. Schwedel also illuminates Baldoni's evolution as a feminist advocate and critiques the dark side of public relations tactics in celebrity culture. The conversation sheds light on how these dynamics shape perceptions in Hollywood.
Blake Lively's recent controversy illustrates the volatile nature of public perception and its impact on personal branding in Hollywood.
The legal battle between Lively and Justin Baldoni reveals critical issues regarding workplace safety and power dynamics within the entertainment industry.
Deep dives
Controversy Surrounding Blake Lively
Blake Lively's recent public image has been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding her role in the movie 'It Ends With Us'. Following the film's release, speculation arose about a potential rift between Lively and her co-star, Justin Baldoni, as they did not promote the film together. This situation escalated when old clips of Lively resurfaced, contributing to a growing narrative that painted her in a negative light. The conversation quickly shifted from analyzing the supposed feud to criticism of Lively herself, showcasing how public perception can rapidly change and fuel online discussions.
The Dynamics of Promotion and Personal Branding
In promoting 'It Ends With Us', Lively faced backlash for her seemingly lighthearted approach to marketing a film centered on domestic violence. While some viewed her promotional tactics as inappropriate given the film's serious subject matter, others argued it was an attempt to balance the message and present a multifaceted representation of women affected by such issues. This illustrates the complexities of personal branding in Hollywood, where actions can be scrutinized and misinterpreted by audiences and critics alike. The nuanced conversation about her promotional strategy was often overtaken by negative sentiments, revealing the challenges actors face when navigating sensitive topics.
Legal Disputes and Power Struggles
Blake Lively has initiated a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and the production team, alleging sexual harassment and a subsequent smear campaign against her. The lawsuit outlines various uncomfortable situations Lively faced on set, including inappropriate discussions and breaches of personal boundaries during filming. This legal battle highlights the broader issues of power dynamics and workplace safety in the entertainment industry. In response, Baldoni has filed a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, claiming they presented a biased narrative, complicating the already tense situation and illustrating the ongoing disputes over narrative control and reputation in the media landscape.
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.