Blake Lively, known for her roles in popular films such as The Age of Adaline and The Shallows, has recently found herself embroiled in controversy. Rumors of a rift between her and co-star Justin Baldoni on the set of their new film It Ends With Us have been circulating, with some sources suggesting that Baldoni made hurtful comments about Lively’s weight. Additionally, Lively has faced criticism for her promotional efforts for the film, which some feel do not align with its serious tone.
Adding fuel to the fire is the resurfacing of an old interview from eight years ago, conducted by journalist Kjersti Flaa. In the interview, which took place during the promotion of the film Cafe Society, Flaa congratulated Lively on her pregnancy, to which the actress responded dismissively. The interview continued with Flaa asking about the costumes in the film, prompting Lively to question why similar questions are not directed at male co-stars. Flaa later expressed feeling hurt by Lively’s initial response, stating that the comment made her feel „paralyzed.“
The release of the old interview has led to speculation that it may be part of a smear campaign orchestrated by Justin Baldoni, who has hired PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan, previously known for representing Johnny Depp during his legal battles with Amber Heard. However, Flaa has denied any connection to Baldoni, stating that she released the interview in response to a discussion with another journalist about a confiscated interview experience.
In a clip posted by TMZ, Flaa clarified that she did not release the interview to target Blake Lively, but rather to shed light on the sometimes uncomfortable and challenging situations that journalists face. She emphasized the importance of bringing awareness to such incidents in the hopes of preventing them from happening again. Flaa also stated that she was unaware of the current controversy surrounding Lively and Baldoni, as she had only watched It Ends With Us and was not involved in any other aspects of the situation.
It Ends With Us is currently screening in theaters, with audiences eager to see the performances of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni despite the off-screen drama. The controversy surrounding Lively and Baldoni serves as a reminder of the complexities of Hollywood relationships and the challenges faced by actors and journalists alike in navigating the industry.
