Blake Lively has addressed the growing criticism surrounding her involvement in the press tour for It Ends With Us, the film adaptation of Coleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The movie, which explores the harrowing impact of domestic violence and abusive relationships, has come under scrutiny for how it has been marketed, and for the way Lively has engaged with the media during the publicity campaign.
The film, which was released after the book’s unexpected resurgence on TikTok, has faced backlash for its portrayal of sensitive themes. While the novel was praised for its raw exploration of domestic abuse, some fans and critics alike argue that the film is being presented as a romantic drama, rather than a serious exploration of an incredibly important issue. This sentiment gained traction when promotional stills from the film were first released earlier this year, with some accusing the marketing team of romanticising the dark themes of the story.
The controversy has intensified over the past few weeks, particularly as Lively, who plays the protagonist Lily Bloom, and Justin Baldoni, who stars as her abusive partner Ryle Kincaid and also directs the film, have been at the centre of ‘feud’ rumours. Fans quickly noticed that neither Lively nor Baldoni had participated in joint interviews, and they have remained vague when addressing one another in their individual interviews. This has only fueled speculation about tension between the two stars, though neither has confirmed any such rift.
Blake Lively, who has previously been known for her outspoken views and commitment to important social issues, has faced significant criticism during her press appearances. Many have accused the actress of downplaying the seriousness of domestic violence and not taking a stronger stance on the film’s central themes. Lively’s comments promoting the movie have also been met with backlash, particularly her encouragement for women to see the film with their “girl friends and florals,” which some have described as tone-deaf given the subject matter of the film. Additionally, Lively’s promotions of her own haircare and drinks brands during interviews have not sat well with fans, with some accusing her of prioritising personal business ventures over the film’s serious message.
In response to the mounting criticism, Lively took to Instagram earlier this week to clarify her stance and express her commitment to raising awareness about domestic violence. Sharing a message with her followers, she wrote: “One in 4 women aged 18 and older in the US alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.” Alongside the post, she included a link to the National Domestic Violence Helpline, urging her followers to educate themselves and take action in support of those affected by abuse.
While Lively has faced the bulk of the criticism, Justin Baldoni, who has also been at the centre of some controversy, has not faced the same level of backlash. However, the actor-director has been embroiled in fallout rumours throughout the press tour. Other members of the It Ends With Us cast have noticeably distanced themselves from Baldoni during interviews and red carpet events. A viral clip surfaced on social media showing co-star Jenny Slate dodging a question about working with Baldoni, further intensifying speculation about tension behind the scenes. It has also been reported that several cast members have unfollowed Baldoni on social media, although the reasons for this remain unclear.
More Read
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, It Ends With Us continues to be a topic of conversation, with fans divided over how the film is handling its serious themes. The movie has garnered attention for its all-star cast and its potential to spark meaningful dialogue about the realities of domestic violence. However, the controversy surrounding its press tour and promotional tactics highlights the challenges of adapting sensitive topics for a mainstream audience.
As the film’s release approaches, it remains to be seen how the ongoing criticism will impact its reception. Lively’s efforts to address the concerns raised about her role in the publicity campaign may help clarify her position, but the fallout between Baldoni and his co-stars, as well as the ongoing debate about the film’s portrayal of abuse, may continue to fuel discussions in the weeks to come.
