Blake Lively is facing backlash over her approach to promoting her latest film, “It Ends With Us,” a sensitive adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel that tackles domestic violence. Critics argue that Lively’s promotional activities seem too lighthearted for a movie dealing with such serious themes, contrasting sharply with the more thoughtful approach of another Hollywood star.
Lively stars as Lily Bloom, a Boston florist caught in an abusive relationship, in “It Ends With Us,” directed by Justin Baldoni. Despite the film’s box office success, Lively has been criticized for what some perceive as a flippant attitude toward the film’s dark subject matter. This criticism intensified after Lively’s recent TikTok video, where she encouraged fans to wear floral outfits to the movie theater, was seen as undermining the gravity of the film’s themes.
In contrast, Justin Baldoni has been vocal about his support for anti-domestic abuse initiatives, such as the nonprofit No More, which aims to combat domestic violence. His active involvement has been noted positively in comparison to Lively’s promotional style.
The debate gained traction when a 1991 interview with Julia Roberts resurfaced on TikTok. In the interview, Roberts discusses her role in “Sleeping With the Enemy,” a film about domestic abuse, and reflects on the psychological complexity of such situations. Her thoughtful comments, shared with the late journalist Bobbie Wygant, highlight the intricate and devastating nature of domestic violence. Roberts’ insights have been praised, with many viewers suggesting that Lively could benefit from a similar approach.
The TikTok clip of Roberts has garnered over 1.5 million views, with many users expressing admiration for Roberts’ empathetic perspective. Comments praising Roberts’ compassion and suggesting Lively “take notes” reflect a broader sentiment among some fans and critics.
While Lively has not responded publicly to the criticism, her co-star Brandon Sklenar defended her on social media. In an open letter posted on Instagram, Sklenar condemned the negative online discourse and affirmed the cast’s commitment to handling the film’s subject matter with the seriousness it deserves. He emphasized the collective responsibility of the film’s team to honor the experiences of those affected by domestic abuse.
