Blake Lively has faced intense public backlash after being tagged in a social media promotion for her upcoming film “Another Simple Favor” amidst an ongoing £400million legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
The 37-year-old actress, who stars alongside Anna Kendrick in the Prime Video film, was met with divided reactions when the streaming platform promoted the project on Instagram yesterday.
The controversy comes as Lively remains embroiled in a heated legal dispute with Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of “It Ends With Us”.
Social media users were quick to criticise Lively’s involvement in the film promotion, with one Instagram commenter writing: “Has no one told her she’s cancelled.”
“Weird timing to promote this movie,” another user remarked, whilst one declared: “I’ll never watch anything with Blake Lively ever again.”
Another pointed out: “It’s so refreshing to see hundreds of comments from women boycotting this movie to support Justin, I feel bad for Anna, but partnering up with BL is going to be damaging to anyone’s career.”
“Let the GREAT UNFOLLOW begin,” someone joked before a sixth asked: “She got to be playing.”
However, others rallied behind the actress. “Team Blake,” wrote one supporter, whilst another commented: “Was never really into this series but I’ll be watching to support Blake.”
Director Paul Feig has staunchly defended Lively amid the controversy, responding directly to social media speculation about the film.
When questioned if the film would feature “Paul Feig’s cut or Blake’s cut,” the director firmly stated: “There is no other cut.”
The pair first worked together in 2018
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“Blake has been nothing but supportive and a dream to work with. She is the best and an amazing collaborator and I’m her biggest fan,” Feig added, addressing the allegations.
The director also dismissed earlier rumours that the film’s release was being delayed due to Lively’s legal troubles.
The legal dispute escalated in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign.
Baldoni responded in January with a £400million countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, alleging civil extortion and defamation.
A federal court recently ordered both parties to follow New York Rules of Professional Conduct, limiting press statements that could prejudice a jury whilst allowing them to defend against external publicity.
“Another Simple Favor” is set to make its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin on 7 March.
Ryan Reynolds has also been involved in the lawsuit
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Prime Video has announced the film will begin streaming on 1 May.
The film serves as a sequel to the 2018 release “A Simple Favor,” which also starred Lively and Kendrick.
