Blake Lively is facing major backlash over her behavior as a resurfaced video and an ongoing legal feud have landed her in the center of a growing Hollywood controversy. Known for her roles in Gossip Girl and A Simple Favor, Lively has been accused of "disgusting" behavior toward her co-star Henry Golding during the filming of the 2018 mystery-comedy. The incident, which involves an unscripted and unapproved physical act, has reignited public scrutiny as her legal war with actor Justin Baldoni unfolds.
The drama exploded after YouTuber and lawyer @elsrich highlighted a clip from the Blu-ray commentary of A Simple Favor, where Lively casually admits to grabbing Golding in a private area as part of an improvised scene. This moment, previously brushed off, is now being viewed in a much different light given the allegations and countersuit involving Baldoni. Blake had previously accused Baldoni of harassment, and in response, he launched a defamation suit against her. The case is expected to go to trial in 2026.
But the newly resurfaced clip has shifted part of the public conversation back onto Lively herself. The video has spread across social media, with users slamming the actress for a lack of boundaries and questioning why intimacy coordinators weren’t used. One user commented, "This is just unbelievable! Henry looks so uncomfortable." Another remarked, "OMG poor Henry looks so uncomfortable. This woman is shameless." The scrutiny intensified when Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa, who once said an awkward 2016 interview with Blake nearly pushed her to quit journalism, reposted the clip.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Lively. She has reportedly pulled back from promoting the upcoming sequel Another Simple Favor, and her alleged fallout with co-star Anna Kendrick is only adding to the fire. In a recent Instagram post from the film’s SXSW premiere, Blake tried to downplay the drama by sharing cheerful photos and praising the cast. Still, fans noticed she avoided tagging Kendrick, fueling more speculation.
The backlash shows no signs of slowing, and public opinion appears to be split. While some argue that actors often improvise, others are calling it an example of double standards in the industry. Legal experts say the resurfaced clip could impact the tone, if not the content, of her lawsuit. For now, both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni remain quiet on the latest developments. But as the internet continues to dig, this could just be the beginning of a PR nightmare for one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars.
In addition to the controversy surrounding her past behavior, Lively's current legal troubles with Baldoni have drawn significant media attention. The director and star of It Ends With Us, Baldoni has become embroiled in a bitter dispute with Lively, who has accused him of harassment. The ongoing legal battle has overshadowed the promotion of their film, which deals with sensitive themes of domestic violence.
The resurfacing of the A Simple Favor clip comes at a particularly challenging time for Lively, as she navigates the fallout from both the clip and her ongoing legal issues. Critics have pointed out the troubling nature of the improvised scene, questioning the appropriateness of such actions in a professional setting. Some have even suggested that the absence of an intimacy coordinator during the filming of that scene raises serious concerns about the industry's handling of consent and boundaries.
Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage, with many calling for greater accountability in Hollywood. "Where was the intimacy coordinator?" one user asked, echoing a sentiment shared by many who feel that Lively's actions crossed a line. Others have expressed sympathy for Golding, highlighting his apparent discomfort during the scene. The public outcry has prompted discussions about the need for stricter protocols on film sets, especially regarding scenes that involve physical contact.
As the backlash continues to grow, Lively's attempts to mitigate the situation through social media have had mixed results. Despite her efforts to present a positive image, fans remain skeptical and continue to scrutinize her actions. The controversy has not only affected her professional life but has also sparked conversations about the broader implications of consent and respect in the entertainment industry.
With her legal battle against Baldoni set to unfold in the coming years, Lively's future in Hollywood remains uncertain. The actress has built a successful career, but this latest controversy could have lasting repercussions. As public opinion shifts and social media amplifies voices calling for change, Lively may find herself at a crossroads.
In the meantime, the entertainment industry watches closely as the situation develops. The case between Lively and Baldoni is likely to draw attention not only for its legal implications but also for its potential to reshape conversations around consent and boundaries in Hollywood. As more details emerge, the public will be keen to see how Lively navigates this tumultuous period in her career.
As Hollywood grapples with its own reckoning regarding behavior on set, Lively's situation serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for industry-wide changes. The coming months will be pivotal for Lively as she seeks to rebuild her image and navigate the challenges ahead.
