Movies

Blake Lively’s Time 100 List Honor Sparks Backlash

BBG News

The playful criticism from Reese Witherspoon towards Blake Lively is once again being discussed, as the ongoing legal dispute between Lively and director Justin Baldoni of “It Ends With Us” continues to unfold.

In a video that has since gone viral, Witherspoon (aged 49) seems to make a nod towards Lively’s 2011 controversy involving a leaked nude photograph during her acceptance speech at the MTV Movie Awards that same year.

Additionally, there was energetic participation from an individual at the event – this gathering took place mere days following the alleged release of unclothed photos of the Gossip Girl actress, aged 37, on various digital platforms.

As a diehard enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts on a matter that stirred quite a buzz back then. Concerning Blake Lively, the representative unequivocally affirmed that those blurry explicit images were entirely fabricated. To set the record straight, Blake had never, under any circumstances, snapped a nude selfie.

However, Witherspoon’s apparent jab at Lively was not deterred during her MTV Generation Award acceptance speech, where she passionately criticized the portrayal of “bad girls” in Hollywood.

I understand, ladies, that being a bit rebellious can be attractive. Yet, it’s feasible to succeed in Hollywood without participating in a reality TV show,” the star of Legally Blonde started explaining.

In the past, if someone in our line of work created a private video of a sexual nature, they would feel ashamed and keep it hidden away, perhaps stashed underneath their mattress.

She also mentioned, ‘If you ever snapped selfies without clothes using your phone, remember to cover your face for privacy.’

It was widely believed among viewers that Witherspoon’s comments were not only aimed at Blake Lively but also at Kim Kardashian, whose fame skyrocketed following the release of her 2007 sex tape.

Or:

Viewers thought that Witherspoon was targeting both Blake Lively and Kim Kardashian in her remarks. The latter’s rise to fame came after a controversial 2007 sex tape made headlines.

However, a representative for Witherspoon clarified the matter to Us Weekly, stating that the actress was definitely not making any reference to Blake Lively during her speech.

In more recent times, there have been unfounded gossips spreading about a supposed conflict between Lively and Witherspoon, although they’ve never collaborated on any project.

It has been claimed that a competition took place last year between these two individuals, regarding who would direct Taylor Swift’s first feature film as a director, a fact that was later verified by Searchlight Pictures in 2022.

According to a source, Blake Lively and Reese Witherspoon are strongly interested in the same position, as they each share a profound connection with Taylor.

Although Swift has a close personal relationship with Blake, it’s worth noting that Witherspoon brings significantly more film production experience to the table. In fact, she worked alongside Swift in the production of the 2022 movie “Where the Crawdads Sing.

The recently re-emerged video of Witherspoon at the MTV Movie Awards surfaces during the controversy surrounding Lively’s placement on the Time 100 list for 2025, which recognizes the most influential individuals.

She found herself grouped with notable figures such as tennis icon Serena Williams, tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg, and influential podcaster Joe Rogan within the Titans category.

Amidst her ongoing legal disputes with Baldoni, Lively was recognized during this period, as she alleged incidents of sexual harassment on the set of the 2024 film “It Ends With Us.” Additionally, she claimed that Baldoni initiated a defamatory campaign against her.

In response to the accusations made by Lively, Baldoni initiated a lawsuit for defamation worth $400 million, involving not just Lively herself, but also her husband Ryan Reynolds and Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane.

I, too, joined forces with Baldoni by filing a defamation lawsuit worth $250 million against The New York Times, in response to their coverage of the accusations leveled against us by Lively. However, it’s important to note that all parties involved have refuted these allegations.

Lively and Reynolds are currently trying to get Baldoni’s ‘retaliatory’ lawsuit thrown out.

Vibrant was praised warmly within the publication by civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill, who led the NAACP Legal Defense Fund during the time when Lively and her partner Ryan Reynolds donated $1 million to the organization in 2019.

The contribution was made seven years following their marriage on a historical slave plantation in South Carolina, an action that has consistently drawn harsh critique towards the Hollywood couple. Later, Reynolds issued an apology for this incident.

With the announcement that Lively made it onto the prestigious Time list, both she and the magazine faced a storm of criticism on social media.

One user, previously recognized as Twitter, expressed frustration: “You really shot yourself in the foot at TIME by inviting Blake Lively for actions in 2019 to appear more respectable after having a plantation-style wedding!” They continued, “It’s obvious now that to make these lists, you simply have to pay up! TIME, your credibility is questionable!

A different user expressed distaste by stating, ‘It’s appalling that Blake Lively made Time 100, considering she and Ryan Reynolds have shown no previous support for the Black community. It seems their marriage on a plantation was publicized only after it became known, making one wonder how much they paid for that article.’

In a surprising turn of events, a third person expressed disbelief and disappointment by saying, ‘Is this really the case? I can’t help but chuckle at your assertion, it seems quite embarrassing.’ Meanwhile, the fourth individual claimed that mainstream pop culture media appears to be influenced significantly by financial payments.

Another user pondered, ‘What’s the price tag here for her?’ but then thought, ‘Just fork over the 400 million to Baldoni in the end, it’ll save more in the long term.’

Meanwhile, one person proposed a theory suggesting that public relations agents actively advocate for their clients to be included on such lists. They believe these listings carry little significance.

1. “Time has passed away,” (formal)

2. “Amazing!”, (exclamatory)

3. “Is this a prank?”, (questioning)

4. “I can’t believe how much this article cost her!”, (surprised and judgmental)

5. “Blake, it seems you’ve had enough,” (suggesting the person has given up or is tired)

One X lamented, “I’m just fed up with celebrities having things go their way, particularly when they manipulate truth and deceive others. I truly wish that truth eventually catches up with them.

One person claimed, “That certainly indicates they’re paid positions, much like the Walk of Fame,” while another declared, “Now, time holds no more significance for her than she does herself.

I’ve got to say, I’ve always been a huge fan of Lively, but lately, her PR antics are making it hard for me to admire her. It’s as if she doesn’t understand that these grand gestures might be backfiring, leaving me to wonder…do they realize that?

A bystander commented, “She certainly wields power, especially when it comes to damaging an innocent person’s career in a malicious way. Such actions show a clear sign of narcissism. I believe karma will catch up with her.

In the meantime, Lively gracefully handled her past issues and made a public announcement expressing her gratitude for being recognized on the Time 100 list of 2025.

The actress from Gossip Girl finds it significant when she is penned by the esteemed Sherrilyn Ifill, a fact she doesn’t take casually.

According to her, the character of this individual has significantly impacted our country. In terms of who she is as a person – a human, woman, mother, leader, warrior, healer, empath, risk-taker, and dreamer – she has profoundly influenced my heart and fortitude, instilling in me an unwavering faith in a brighter and safer future for all.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. This moment, so extraordinary and deeply significant, has left me awestruck. If only my ten-year-old self could see me now, I’m sure they would be equally amazed.

In her endorsement, Ifill praised Lively as a dedicated philanthropist and a sincere individual, someone deeply committed to progressing our nation.

In simpler terms, Ifill stated that they are not familiar with Blake Lively as a celebrity on the red carpet or at events like the Met Gala, nor have they watched Gossip Girl. However, the Blake Lively they do know is an active philanthropist and someone who studies complex societal issues in America. In 2019, she and her husband Ryan Reynolds made a donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

During my tenure as president and legal advisor from 2012 to 2022 with the organization, I started to receive a handful of such phone calls, as our efforts in combating voter suppression and police violence were gaining recognition on a nationwide scale.

She observed: “It’s fascinating to me what thorough research famous individuals conduct before reaching out to provide support. Those I’ve maintained a connection with are the ones, similar to Blake, who actually took the time to do their due diligence.

Ifill praised her for her swiftly evident curiosity and genuine efforts to comprehend the factors influencing this nation’s development.

I recall a past discussion where she mentioned feeling dismayed because a large portion of our country’s history wasn’t covered in her educational curriculum.

She emphasized that it’s Lively’s dedication to bridging those knowledge gaps and striving to be the most well-informed and prepared citizen that I admire the most about her. Blake is a sincere individual. She’s bold. And she’s dedicated to advancing this nation, not just for her kids, but for mine as well.

2025 Daily Mail has contacted Ifill for additional insights on her support for Lively during the ongoing legal disputes that have dominated news headlines this year.

On Wednesday, she enthusiastically shared on Instagram Stories that she felt profoundly honored to be a part of the select group she had been included in.

She remarked that from various perspectives – as if looking back from the future or forward from her childhood – she could appreciate the depth of this moment for herself. It’s not merely about being part of something; it’s about having a voice.

Enthusiastically, I exclaim, ‘What a blessing, something that ought to be inherent! So here’s my heartfelt gratitude to the passage of time and every one of you who empower those daring souls, even in the face of fear.’

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2025-04-23 05:35

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