Blake Lively addresses domestic violence in 'It Ends With Us'

Blake Lively has addressed criticism regarding her promotion of the film "It Ends With Us," which tackles serious themes of domestic violence. In a recent Instagram Story, Lively shared a clip from a BBC interview discussing her character, Lily Bloom, emphasizing that her identity transcends being a victim. She expressed gratitude to audiences for supporting films that explore the complexities of women's experiences and highlighted the importance of sharing the film's message. Lively also provided resources for those affected by intimate partner violence, reinforcing her commitment to the film's themes. Amidst the promotional efforts, speculation has arisen about tensions between Lively and director Justin Baldoni. Reports suggest that Baldoni's directorial approach created discomfort for Lively, particularly regarding her postpartum body. An industry source claimed that Baldoni was difficult to work with, leading to a rift among the cast. In response to the growing drama, Baldoni has reportedly hired crisis PR manager Melissa Nathan to help navigate the situation. Adding to the controversy, Lively revealed that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, contributed to a key scene in the film, which has sparked mixed reactions from fans. While some praised the film's portrayal of challenging themes, others expressed concern over the implications of Reynolds' involvement during the recent writers' strike. Despite the backlash, Lively remains proud of her work and the film's message. As the film continues to perform well at the box office, the ongoing speculation about the cast's dynamics and Baldoni's future with the franchise raises questions about the potential for a sequel. Sources indicate that Lively may seek to direct future projects, further complicating the relationship between the lead actors and the director.