Blake Lively has long been celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most charming and stylish actresses, known for her breakout role as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl and her picture-perfect life with husband Ryan Reynolds.
But behind the glamorous red carpet appearances and enviable Instagram posts, the actress has faced her share of controversies that have, at times, shaken her “America’s sweetheart” image.
Blake Lively’s film with Woody Allen
One of the earliest controversies that surrounded Lively was her involvement in Woody Allen’s 2016 film Café Society. At a time when Hollywood was grappling with the #MeToo movement and serious allegations against Allen were widely discussed, Lively’s decision to work with him drew sharp criticism. Many questioned her public stance on supporting women while collaborating with a filmmaker accused of misconduct. Although she defended her choice by saying she believed in due process, the backlash highlighted the double standards often perceived in Hollywood.
When Blake Lively was called racist
In 2016, Lively also came under fire for a caption she posted during the Cannes Film Festival. Sharing a glamorous photo of herself on the red carpet, she wrote “L.A. face with an Oakland booty,” a lyric from Sir Mix-a-Lot’s song Baby Got Back. The comment was widely condemned as racially insensitive, with critics accusing her of perpetuating stereotypes. Lively later clarified her intent, but the damage to her image lingered in the public eye.
Blake-Ryan’s controversial wedding venue
Another moment that sparked debate was her wedding to Ryan Reynolds at Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina in 2012. Years later, the couple publicly apologised for choosing a venue with ties to slavery, calling it a mistake. In an era where celebrity accountability is under intense scrutiny, this decision resurfaced repeatedly and is still mentioned as a misstep in her otherwise carefully curated public persona.
It Ends With Us – The mother of all controversies
Blake Lively also recently faced criticism surrounding her role in the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us. The movie, which tackles sensitive themes like domestic abuse, was accused by some fans and critics of romanticising toxic relationships in its promotional materials and trailers. Many argued that the marketing failed to convey the serious undertones of the story, sparking debates on social media about responsibility in portraying such topics.
However, what came next shocked everyone. Director and actor Justin Baldoni sued Blake Lively and the actress also filed a lawsuit regarding sexual and workplace harassment. The verdict on the case is not yet out and the internet is divided on who to support.
Despite these controversies, Lively has continued to thrive in Hollywood, balancing acting, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. While her image as Hollywood’s sweetheart may have been dented, her openness to growth and acknowledgment of past mistakes have kept her in the public’s favour.