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Blake Lively, a well-known actress and entrepreneur, has enjoyed a long and successful career in Hollywood, earning fame primarily for her role as Serena van der Woodsen on the popular TV show Gossip Girl. While she is often celebrated for her talent, beauty, and business ventures, like her lifestyle brand Betty Buzz, Lively has also been at the center of various controversies over the years. Here’s an overview of some of the most notable moments in her career and personal life that have sparked discussion.
Controversial Plantation Wedding
One of the most talked-about controversies involving Blake Lively revolves around her 2012 wedding to actor Ryan Reynolds. The couple chose Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina as their wedding venue, a location with a history of slavery. The decision to marry on a plantation drew significant backlash, as many criticized the couple for romanticizing a place associated with such a painful chapter in American history. In 2020, Reynolds and Lively publicly apologized for the decision, calling it “a mistake” and expressing regret for any pain it caused.
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“Allure of Antebellum” Odd Comments
In 2014, Lively launched a now-defunct lifestyle website called Preserve, which aimed to celebrate American artisans and crafts. However, one of the early posts on the site caused controversy due to its romanticization of the Antebellum South, a period associated with slavery. The post referred to the “Allure of Antebellum,” which many found insensitive given the historical context. The backlash was swift, and Lively faced criticism for seemingly glorifying a period marked by racial oppression. The site struggled to gain traction and was eventually shut down in 2015.
Questionable Fashion Choices
Blake Lively is known for her impeccable fashion sense, often praised for her red carpet appearances. However, some of her fashion choices have sparked controversy. For example, at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, Lively wore a dress that many felt was culturally insensitive. The dress, designed by Vivienne Westwood, featured a print of Chinese dragons, and some critics accused her of cultural appropriation. Additionally, Lively has faced scrutiny for other outfits that some felt were tone-deaf or inappropriate for the events where she wore them.
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Her Relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio
Before marrying Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively had a brief but high-profile relationship with actor Leonardo DiCaprio in 2011. The romance, though short-lived, generated significant media attention. Some fans and commentators criticized Lively for dating someone with DiCaprio’s reputation for dating younger women, which contributed to ongoing discussions about age gaps and power dynamics in Hollywood relationships.
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The Struggles of Motherhood and Career
Blake Lively has spoken openly about her experiences with motherhood and balancing her career, which has sometimes led to controversy. In interviews, Lively has discussed the challenges of being a working mother, but some of her comments have been perceived as tone-deaf by those who feel she may not fully grasp the difficulties faced by less privileged working mothers. For example, in one interview, she mentioned how she is fortunate to be able to bring her children to work with her, a luxury not afforded to many working mothers. These comments have sparked debates about privilege and the realities of motherhood.
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She Gets a lot of Hate Online
Like many celebrities, Blake Lively has had her share of social media controversies. In 2016, she posted a photo on Instagram with the caption “L.A. face with an Oakland booty,” quoting a line from Sir Mix-a-Lot’s song “Baby Got Back.” The post was criticized for being racially insensitive, as some interpreted it as objectifying women of color. Lively defended the post as a lighthearted reference to the song, but the controversy lingered, adding to discussions about race and body image in popular culture.
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Support for #MeToo and Times Up
Blake Lively has publicly supported the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, which aim to address sexual harassment and inequality in Hollywood and other industries. While her support has been generally well-received, Lively has also faced questions about her past collaborations with individuals who have been accused of misconduct. For instance, she worked with Woody Allen on the 2016 film Café Society, which raised eyebrows given the longstanding allegations against him. Lively’s decision to work with Allen has been a point of contention for some, despite her later advocacy for survivors of sexual harassment.
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Blake Lively Struggles With Body Insecurities
If you’re already person who struggles with your self-image, it can’t be easy if photos of you are always popping up online and in magazines. Over the years, Blake Lively has been transparent about her insecurities about her body. She even told her fans not to compare themselves to her while speaking with Harper’s Bazaar in April 2018: “99.9 percent of the time the images are Photoshopped. I’m guilty myself of being at a photo shoot and saying, ‘That looks terrible on me.’ And they’re like, ‘We’ll fix it.'”
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Discovering Blake Lively
Ryan Reynolds and Lively have four children. They welcomed their first child, a daughter they names James, in December 2014. In September 2016, the couple celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Inez. In 2019, Lively gave birth to their third daughter, Betty. Keeping personal matters under wraps once again, Lively subtly announced the arrival of their fourth child in February on her social media when she was visibly no longer pregnant. The name and sex of the baby has yet to be announced.
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