Why Everyone Is Turning Against Blake Lively

In an unexpected twist of Hollywood events, beloved celebrity couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have found themselves at the center of a brewing controversy. The two recently made headlines for becoming the first married couple in over 34 years to top the box office with their respective films. Blake stars in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends with Us, while Ryan is currently headlining Deadpool and Wolverine. However, the success of these films has come at a cost—specifically, Blake's reputation, which seems to be on a downward spiral due to the handling of her film's promotion.

The Book That Started It All

It Ends with Us is based on the bestselling book by Colleen Hoover, an author who gained massive popularity through TikTok’s BookTok community. The novel, known for its intense themes of domestic violence, became a cultural phenomenon, drawing in both devoted fans and critics. Blake Lively, a fan of the book, was handpicked by Hoover to star in and produce the film adaptation. Ryan Reynolds, along with Blake, funded much of the project, making them central figures in bringing the story to the big screen.

However, Blake's involvement from the start raised eyebrows. She cast herself as the lead, a decision that sparked criticism due to her age and perceived suitability for the role. Despite the skepticism, Blake moved forward, working alongside actor and director Justin Baldoni, who was the original rights holder and driving force behind the film. Baldoni, known for his role in Jane the Virgin and his subsequent success in directing and producing, was set to co-star and direct It Ends with Us.

Where's Justin?

As the film's promotion ramped up, something strange became apparent: Justin Baldoni was noticeably absent from the promotional events. Blake and Ryan were front and center, doing interviews, appearing at events, and engaging with fans. In contrast, Justin was nowhere to be seen, sparking speculation about a possible rift. Initially, fans chalked it up to his personal life—Baldoni had been traveling and dealing with health issues—but as time went on, the situation became more suspicious.

When Justin finally did start promoting the film, he did so separately from the rest of the cast. He was not seen with Blake or Ryan, and his interviews were serious, focusing on the film’s heavy themes of domestic violence—a stark contrast to Blake and Ryan’s more lighthearted promotional approach.

The Premiere That Broke the Camel’s Back

The tension reached a boiling point at the film’s premiere. Justin was again absent from group photos, and celebrities attending the event seemed to be ignoring his contributions, instead lavishing attention on Blake. This led to a flurry of social media speculation, with fans wondering why Justin was being sidelined in what should have been a joint celebration of the film.

Some theorized that the separation was intentional, possibly to avoid romanticizing the abusive relationship depicted in the film. However, this theory fell apart when Blake and Ryan’s promotional efforts remained lighthearted, failing to address the film’s serious subject matter.

A Clash of Creative Vision

The drama escalated further when it was revealed that Blake wasn’t satisfied with Justin’s cut of the film. She brought in the editor from Deadpool to re-edit the movie, seeking a more comedic tone. This led to two versions of the film being screened for audiences, with Justin’s more serious cut ultimately winning out. The tension between the two camps only grew when it was discovered that Ryan had rewritten some scenes without the screenwriter’s knowledge—a revelation that came to light during a red carpet interview.

In an apparent attempt at damage control, Blake’s PR team started leaking stories portraying Justin in a negative light, claiming he made her uncomfortable on set and lingered too long during a kiss scene. These allegations were widely dismissed as absurd, with many pointing out that Blake had full creative control over the project.

The Fallout

Fans and critics alike have expressed their disappointment with how Blake and Ryan handled the promotion of It Ends with Us. Many feel that Blake’s focus on promoting her new hair care line, rather than the film’s message, was tone-deaf. Her flippant response to a question about connecting with survivors of domestic violence only fueled the backlash, with some accusing her of being out of touch.

In contrast, Justin Baldoni has been praised for his professionalism and dedication to the film’s message. He has consistently redirected attention to the film’s themes, emphasizing the importance of telling stories about domestic violence with care and respect.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

This saga serves as a stark reminder that even the most beloved celebrities are not immune to missteps. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, often held up as Hollywood’s golden couple, have faced a rare backlash, with fans questioning their priorities and sincerity. While it’s unlikely that this controversy will permanently damage their reputations, it does highlight the importance of thoughtful promotion, especially when dealing with sensitive subject matter.

In the end, this story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal branding over the integrity of a project, particularly one as impactful as It Ends with Us. Only time will tell if Blake and Ryan can weather this storm, but for now, the cracks in their seemingly perfect image have been exposed for all to see.