Blake Lively reacts to backlash over It Ends With Us film

Blake Lively has faced significant backlash regarding her promotion of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, It Ends With Us, which addresses serious themes of domestic violence and abuse. Reports indicate that Lively was taken aback by the criticism, feeling vulnerable and upset as she navigated the promotional period. Fans criticized her for a perceived 'tone-deaf' approach, particularly when she promoted her haircare line and shared light-hearted messages during serious discussions about the film's themes. The controversy intensified when a journalist recalled a past interview with Lively, describing it as 'incredibly rude,' which further fueled negative sentiments. Despite the backlash, Lively's co-star Brandon Sklenar defended her, arguing that the film holds significant importance for survivors of domestic abuse and that the cast was aware of the responsibility they had in portraying such sensitive material. Lively has not directly addressed the criticism but did share a message on Instagram to raise awareness about domestic abuse. The promotional strategy, which included themed cocktails and light-hearted messaging, was met with disapproval from fans who felt it undermined the film's serious subject matter. As Lively continues to work on future projects, including a sequel to A Simple Favor, the situation surrounding It Ends With Us serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in promoting films that tackle sensitive issues. The mixed reactions highlight the challenges actors face in balancing personal branding with the themes of their projects.