Producer and stylist Rhea Kapoor has come to the defense of Hollywood actress Blake Lively amidst mounting criticism over her promotional approach for the film “It Ends With Us.” The film, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has been at the center of controversy online, with some fans calling for Lively to be canceled. Critics have accused Lively of being insensitive, pointing to her promotion of her beauty brand and her husband Ryan Reynolds’ alcohol brand during interviews, rather than focusing on the film’s serious themes of domestic abuse.
Kapoor expressed her support for Lively, criticizing the negative commentary on the film’s marketing. She praised Lively, Hoover, and the film’s producers for their efforts to bring important stories to the mainstream. Kapoor argued that the criticism of Lively’s promotional activities was misplaced and that it was unreasonable to expect her to forgo promoting her personal brand. Kapoor also dismissed claims that Lively should have dressed down or avoided showcasing her fashion sense during the press tour.
However, Kapoor’s defense has sparked a backlash of its own, with some internet users accusing her of missing the point of the criticism. Critics argue that Lively’s promotional strategy undermines the film’s serious subject matter. Some have suggested that Lively’s approach trivializes the gravity of domestic violence, questioning why she would star in a film about such issues if she did not treat them with the appropriate seriousness.
Additionally, there are rumors of a rift between Lively and the film’s director, Justin Baldoni, with allegations of body-shaming and disputes over the film’s direction. Speculation has arisen that Lively may have influenced the film’s release to better align with her own image. Critics have compared Baldoni’s serious approach to Lively’s more glamorous promotion, highlighting the disparity in their handling of the film’s themes.
Despite the controversy, “It Ends With Us” performed well at the box office, opening with a strong $50 million debut.
