Yahoo Movies Sony boss defends Blake Lively following It Ends With Us backlash
Note: the following article contains discussion of themes including domestic violence.
A Sony boss has defended Blake Lively following a social media backlash towards her.
The star’s new movie It Ends With Us was recently released, though some fans online have claimed that she has not taken the film’s theme of domestic violence seriously while promoting the film.
The movie, which is based on the Colleen Hoover novel, follows the star’s character Lily Bloom, who is trapped in an abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni).
Related: It Ends With Us review: Blake Lively shines in controversial Colleen Hoover adaptation
Addressing the backlash against Lively, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s chair-CEO Tony Vinciquerra defended the star.
“Blake, Colleen and so many women put so much effort into this remarkable movie, working selflessly from the start to ensure that such an important subject matter was handled with care,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
“Audiences love the movie. Blake’s passion and commitment to advancing the conversation around domestic violence is commendable. We love working with Blake, and we want to do 12 more movies with her.”
Related: It Ends With Us ending makes a smart change to the book
There have also been rumours of a feud between Lively and co-star and director Baldoni, notably given they haven’t done press together, and the fact that she and the rest of the cast don’t follow him on Instagram. Reports of tension during post-production have also surfaced.
Baldoni himself recently admitted to “friction” on set, while not speaking on the rumours directly.
"It's very challenging to act and direct, and especially with a project like this," he told Elle UK. "There was a lot of pressure playing such a complex role like Ryle and, of course, as a filmmaker, you're always navigating personalities.
Related: Is It Starts With Us getting a movie adaptation following It Ends With Us success?
"There are all these things that happen every day on set, there's always friction that happens when you make a movie like this. Then at the end of the day, it's that friction, I believe, that creates the beautiful art.”
It Ends With Us has become a box office hit since its release, opening to $50 million in North America despite landing mixed reviews.
It Ends With Us is out now in cinemas.
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
You Might Also Like
