Blake Lively has said she did not take her role in the film It Ends With Us “very lightly” amid criticism over her “tone-deaf” press tour.
The 36-year-old American actress has been criticised for “trivialising domestic violence” and promoting the film “as a romantic comedy”.
However, the star has spoken out about the role, where she plays a victim of domestic violence, in an interview with Fashion.
The Gossip Girl star said she “took the role seriously” and added that it was the “most absorbing movie” she had ever been in.
The film is based on the book by Colleen Hoover and focuses on the story of Lily Bloom, played by Lively, who finds herself in an abusive relationship with a man named Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni.
Blake Lively attends the premiere of ‘It Ends With Us’ in New York in early August
In early August, Lively, Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer sat down with the author to talk about the topic. However, instead of discussing the serious subject of abusive relationships, the quartet were accused of appearing “lighthearted.”
Blake has since appeared on the social media account to share her family’s key lime pie recipe while also chatting about her recent work.
The star, who shares children James, Inez, Betty and Olin with co-star Ryan Reynolds, said she is “very proud” of the film.
Lively said: “I’m so proud of It Ends With Us. It was the most immersive film I’ve ever been a part of, both in front of and behind the camera.”
“So it’s very personal to me. The book that Collen wrote resonated with a lot of people for a lot of years.
“Taking on a character and entering a film that means so much was a huge responsibility that I did not take lightly.”
“I think the costumes were a really key part of that storytelling and I’m really, really proud of that,” Lively said.
‘But I wear a lot of vintage clothes and it’s one of my favorite items I’ve ever worn.
“It’s so expressive and eclectic that it really gives you insight into the character.”
Blake Lively, Jenny Slate, and Isabela Ferrer sat down for a Q&A with the author to discuss it in early August.
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of ‘It Ends with Us’ kissing
At one point during the chat, Lively squeezes a lemon while wearing a low-cut dress and jokes that the video would “end up on OnlyFans.”
After receiving criticism for her Q&A with Slate and Isabela, Lively took to Instagram to share information about domestic violence, as well as some resources for her followers.
She directed her followers to a series of links, including a hotline for victims of domestic violence, as well as statistics and other information.
“Everyone deserves relationships free of domestic violence,” she wrote.
Branded “tone deaf,” Lively has since faced intense scrutiny, with interviews continuing to surface showing behavior that has been branded “petty” by some who have seen it.
Rumors have also circulated of a feud between Lively and director Baldoni.
I had already reported this previously. TMZ that the mother of four was allegedly weight-shamed on set by Baldoni in preparation for a scene in the film in which Baldoni lifted Lively into the air.
There have also been rumours of a feud between Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni (pictured)
The film is based on the book by Colleen Hoover and focuses on the story of Lily Bloom, played by Lively, who finds herself in an abusive relationship with a man named Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni.
Sources close to the event told the outlet that Baldoni suffers from back problems and sought the help of a trainer before the lifting scene.
Baldoni reportedly asked the trainer how much Lively weighed and asked for help in preparing her back to avoid injury.
When Lively found out about Baldoni’s comments, she reportedly felt embarrassed for him.
Lively welcomed her fourth child with husband Ryan Reynolds in February 2023, and sources shared with TMZ that the comment really affected the actress.
TMZ sources also cited another alleged instance that upset Lively on set.
The duo were filming a kissing scene and sources claim Lively believed Baldoni “lingered” longer than necessary for the kiss.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Baldoni and Lively for comment.