Blake Lively Under Fire for Domestic Violence Comments

Blake Lively has come under fire for her seemingly casual approach to discussing the serious themes of her new film, "It Ends With Us," during promotional interviews. The film, based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel, features Lively as Lily Bloom, a flower shop owner entangled in an abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Justin Baldoni, who also directed the film. Critics have pointed out that Lively's lighthearted remarks, such as encouraging fans to wear floral outfits to the theater, may undermine the film's heavy subject matter. The backlash has prompted comparisons to Julia Roberts, whose thoughtful commentary on domestic violence during a 1991 interview for "Sleeping With the Enemy" has resurfaced on social media. In the clip, Roberts articulates the complexities of her character's experience with abuse, emphasizing the psychological manipulation involved. This contrast has led some to suggest that Lively could benefit from taking cues from Roberts' more serious approach to discussing similar themes. In response to the criticism, Lively has defended her promotional style, asserting that everyone involved in the film was acutely aware of the responsibility they bore in addressing such sensitive topics. Her co-star, who plays Atlas Corrigan, echoed this sentiment, affirming the team's commitment to portraying the film's themes with the seriousness they deserve. As the discourse continues, Lively's promotional strategy raises questions about the balance between engaging audiences and respecting the gravity of the subject matter in film marketing.