Meghan McCain has recently criticized Blake Lively’s promotional efforts for her new film “It Ends With Us,” accusing the actress of being “insensitive” and failing to adequately respect the gravity of the movie’s subject matter. McCain aired her grievances on her podcast, “Citizen McCain,” arguing that Lively’s approach to promoting the film did not align with the serious themes of domestic violence depicted in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel.
In her podcast episode on August 21, 2024, McCain expressed her disappointment with Lively’s promotional tactics. Lively, who produced the film and stars in it, has faced backlash for her recent press tour, where critics felt her focus shifted too much towards promoting her own brands and less towards the film’s sensitive topic. McCain pointed out that Lively’s emphasis on lighthearted aspects, like encouraging fans to “grab your florals,” was inappropriate given the film’s subject matter.
“If you’re taking on the responsibility of telling the story about a woman in a domestic violence situation, you have to be respectful that you’re representing victims,” McCain said. She criticized Lively’s approach, noting that the promotional content seemed dismissive of the film’s serious themes. “I don’t want to put florals on and go with my girlfriends and go watch a fun girl movie about domestic violence,” McCain added, describing Lively’s promotional strategy as “very insensitive” and “strange.”
More Read
The controversy intensified after Lively’s viral TikTok video, where she urged audiences to see the film with a cheerful tone that many found inappropriate. Her response to a reporter’s question about how she would handle a fan sharing their personal experience with domestic violence further fueled criticism. Lively’s casual response, including a reference to her astrological sign, was perceived as lacking empathy.
McCain also took issue with Lively’s “privileged situation,” describing the actress as a “beautiful, blonde white woman” who is married to a famous actor and lives a luxurious lifestyle. She argued that this background may have contributed to a disconnect between Lively and the film’s serious subject matter.
While McCain’s critique has sparked significant discussion, she also admitted to having personal biases. “I’m also just fucking sick of hearing about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively,” she confessed on her podcast. This admission highlights the complex interplay between celebrity culture and public perception.
Representatives for Blake Lively have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding McCain’s remarks. As the film continues to draw attention, the discussion around its promotion underscores the challenges celebrities face when handling sensitive topics.
