Blake Lively faces backlash: Transphobia, film set feuds, and product fails
Blake Lively probably hoped that starring in the film "It Ends With Us" would remind fans of her and once again capture the hearts of millions of "Gossip Girl" enthusiasts. Her comeback is somewhat complicated, as mishaps are constantly being pointed out.
Blake Lively gained the most popularity a dozen years ago by appearing in the series "Gossip Girl." This year marks exactly 12 years since the last episode of the television hit aired. Despite the passage of time, Lively, like her co-star Penn Badgley, continues to enjoy fan support and can count on attractive professional opportunities.
Bad press for Blake Llively
This summer saw the release of the first film in four years with Blake in a leading role. The production "It Ends With Us" is receiving decent reviews (6.9 on IMDb), but it hasn't increased in popularity for Lively. For several weeks now, the tabloids have been reporting on a conflict between the actress and Justin Baldoni, the director of "It Ends With Us," who also plays her on-screen partner in the film.
The tension reportedly escalated after the film's premiere in London, where the pair supposedly avoided each other. The media reported that Baldoni suggested at the film's premiere that he does not intend to direct the sequel and that Lively could possibly take over the role. Allegedly, the spark for their conflict was artistic differences. Lively was said to be pushing for changes in already approved scenes, which did not sit well with the director. The internet sided with him.
Shortly thereafter, TikTok users began heavily criticizing hair care products endorsed by Lively. The products were reportedly not only of questionable quality but also damaging hair instead of styling it.
Blake Lively reminded of past words. Will there be a scandal?
This time, netizens are accusing Blake Lively of transphobia because of a statement she made years ago.
I hope to have a few girls one day. If not girls, they better be [transgender]. Because I have some amazing shoes and bags and stories that need to be appreciated - she said in 2012 in an interview with "Elle" about her future children.
The internet exploded. The word used by the actress (originally "tranny") is considered offensive by the transgender community. Of course, some of Blake's fans (those who stick by her through thick and thin) defend their idol, arguing that she should not be judged for unfortunate terminology from years ago when social awareness and sensitivity were at a completely different level than today—especially in the US.
Blake Lively accused of transphobia
The problem is that the internet also remembers two other instances when Blake expressed herself in a manner now considered reprehensible.
In 2009, in an interview with "Allure," she described working on the set of the series "Gossip Girl" in a rather peculiar way.
I feel like a [transgender person] a lot of the time. I don’t know, I’m … large? They put me in six-inch heels, and I tower over every man - Lively lamented then.
In the same year, she also "shone" in a conversation with "Nylon" magazine.
If you read the gossip magazines, everybody is dating everyone, everybody hates everyone, everybody has had like tons of plastic surgery and they’re actually men and [transgender.] It’s just like: you don’t listen to the rumors - she commented on the growing popularity.
Netizens on X and TikTok started recalling the actress's fatal choice of words.
What a disaster, what is this?; How can you speak so dismissively about this topic? It's sad to hear - netizens thundered.
Do you think this is just the beginning of the internet's lashing out at Blake?
