Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for ‘tone deaf’ It Ends With Us remarks… Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time immersed in the world of entertainment news and gossip, I must say that this year has been quite a rollercoaster for both the judges and contestants of popular dance shows like Strictly Come Dancing and DWTS (Dancing with the Stars). The recent allegations of bullying, abuse, and discrimination have left many of us fans feeling disheartened and confused.


In simpler terms, Blake Lively has found herself in a controversy over her comments regarding a movie titled “It Ends With Us,” which some people are criticizing as insensitive or out of touch.

36-year-old actress known for her role in Gossip Girl is facing backlash due to accusations that she made thoughtless comments regarding her new movie, which is adapted from a novel by Colleen Hoover about an abusive relationship.

Blake has been receiving attention for her cheerful marketing of the film, even though it tackles heavy themes, which has raised concerns among activists. They argue that the movie inappropriately portrays and beautifies domestic violence.

Despite facing a whirlwind of unfavorable media attention, Blake was additionally targeted by rumors about an ongoing dispute she had with her fellow actor and director, Justin Baldoni, who starred alongside her in the movie.

Initially, whispers of discord emerged among fans when they observed that the duo didn’t participate in joint interviews, leading to speculation. Subsequently, an insider revealed tensions between them during filming, where Justin was perceived as being disrespectful towards Blake’s suggestions regarding scenes depicting abuse.

Additionally fueling the uproar, online detectives traced back a series of re-emerged interviews with Blake, revealing some contentious exchanges where she appeared to lose her temper with journalists.

Nevertheless, unlike several other top stars recently, she hasn’t faced controversy in the last year; many celebrities, though, have found themselves under scrutiny during this time.

As a longtime fan of entertainment news, I’ve seen my fair share of celebrity scandals throughout the years, but this past year has truly been a rollercoaster ride. From Jack Black’s Tenacious D bandmate causing controversy with a Donald Trump joke in Sydney to Justin Timberlake’s shock arrest, Daily Mail Australia has done an excellent job dissecting the most notable scandals of 20XX.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year
Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

Jack Black’s Tenacious D  

Due to a controversial remark regarding an attempt on Donald Trump’s life, Jack Black and Kyle Gass had no choice but to scrap their planned Australasia tour with Tenacious D. The joke they made stirred a great deal of controversy.

Last month at Sydney’s ICC Theatre, Kyle, who is 64 years old, stirred up quite a commotion. This happened when Jack brought out a birthday cake for him and said, “Make a wish,” to which Kyle responded, “Don’t forget about Trump next time.”

At the Pennsylvania rally at the Butler Farm Showgrounds, 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks discharged a shot that didn’t hit Trump but instead penetrated his ear. Regrettably, this incident resulted in the death of one spectator.

In the wake of my humorous attempt, I faced an intense wave of opposition that ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the final six concerts on the Australia and New Zealand tour for the rock duo, due to the mounting criticism directed towards me.

Jack openly criticized his fellow band member’s questionable humor and declared a pause in any upcoming collaborative projects, leaving fans puzzled and speculating if this signaled the potential disbandment of Tenacious D.

Supporters of Jack began criticizing him during the sudden uproar, alleging that he had betrayed Kyle by publicly criticizing him in a way that many saw as unfairly blaming him (i.e., “throwing him under the bus”).

At that point, Jack conveyed to Daily Mail Australia: “I was caught off guard by the comments made during the show on Sunday. I unequivocally denounce hate speech and discourage any form of political violence.”

Following careful consideration, I don’t think it’s suitable to carry on with the Tenacious D tour any longer, and all upcoming creative projects are temporarily paused. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the fans for their continued support and understanding during this time.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

Later on, Kyle admitted his error by labeling his joke as “inappropriate” and a “regrettable blunder” on his personal Instagram post.

He penned: ‘The line I improvised onstage [on] Sunday night was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.

1. “I firmly oppose any form of violence directed towards anyone, regardless of the situation. The incident that occurred was truly unfortunate, and I deeply regret my poor judgment in this matter.”

‘I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.’ 

Following the uproar, Jack made it clear at a later time that he was planning to rejoin Tenacious D again, assuring fans and addressing their worries about his relationship with Kyle.

He told Entertainment Tonight: ‘I love Tenacious D… We had to take a break, but I love the D. Everybody takes a break sometimes. We’ll be back.’

The Weeknd

Last year, it was widely reported that The Weeknd, known as Abel Tesfaye in real life, faced significant criticism after the release of his provocative miniseries titled “The Idol,” which sparked strong reactions online.

The show elicited an explosive controversy over its graphically raunchy depiction of Lily-Rose Depp’s character Jocelyn, a pop star who becomes ensnared by a cult-leading nightclub owner, played by The Weeknd.

It was claimed that creator Sam Levinson had turned the series into ‘torture porn and a rape fantasy’, while The Weeknd’s acting ability was also slammed as ‘nonexistent’.

Since its debut at Cannes, the show has faced intense scrutiny regarding its depiction of character Jocelyn, who is referred to in one instance as being likened to a “sock for a human”.

Nevertheless, Canadian artist The Weeknd countered the controversy by stating that viewers would eventually grasp their creative perspective.

In response to a fan who said others didn’t understand, he responded: “Don’t worry, they’ll catch on… I guarantee it. For now, just sit back and appreciate the performance for your own enjoyment.”

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year
Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

He also described the blowback as ‘very much expected’ in an interview with Variety where he brushed off the huge uproar to the controversial series. 

He argued that ‘we’re playing with genres with this show, we’re doing exactly what we wanted to do. And none of this is a surprise’. 

The Weeknd has put the controversy behind him and is preparing to launch his worldwide After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour in Australia.

Australia, rest assured I haven’t forgotten about you! Looking forward to seeing you again in October – a message from the hitmaker of The Hills.

Last November, The Weeknd originally delayed his Australian tour, which was set to begin within a few weeks. Eventually, the tour had to be called off, and all ticket holders were given refunds.

Although some people are happy with the new performance dates, others have criticized the omission of Brisbane and New Zealand, which were initially planned to host shows.

Joshua Taylor-Myles

Australian footballer Joshua Taylor-Myles stirred up nationwide indignation earlier this year, as he faced widespread criticism for the highly offensive designs on his thigh tattoos.

His huge tattoos reading ‘eat s**t fa***t’ and ‘snort lines and f***’ sparked a national uproar when he was selected to play in the NSWRL Luke Lewis Cup.

Following the spread of an image of his tattoo online, there was a strong backlash as people labeled his tattoos as ‘distasteful’, suggesting he should get them removed through laser treatment.

News Corp commentator Buzz Rothfield also slammed the ‘homophobic’ tattoos as ‘just vile’.

He plays at a club filled with numerous young players, both male and female, who join for fun, friendship, and it’s simply inappropriate or unsuitable, he commented.

As a lifestyle advisor, I find myself often discussing the importance of professional conduct, especially in sports. In this specific case, Joshua, a player for the Aquinas Colts, has been instructed to conceal or risk expulsion from any New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition, due to some questionable tattoos that have caused controversy.

A representative from the NSWRL stated to Daily Mail Australia: “Both the NSWRL and Cronulla JRL prioritize creating an atmosphere that is secure, enjoyable, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Participating in a sport that embraces everyone aligns with our fundamental principles, as it mirrors the rich multicultural makeup of our neighborhoods.

‘We have a zero-tolerance to any form of bullying, harassment or vilification towards people with diverse sexualities and genders.’

Since then, Joshua has chosen to conceal his old, contentious tattoos by getting two large, fresh ones instead. He has been posting pictures of the finished artwork on social media.

In a post, Joshua showcased his newly acquired large thigh tattoos that completely concealed any offensive words, originating from a tattoo parlor.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year
Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year
Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

Justin Timberlake  

Justin Timberlake was recently caught up in a notable DWI scandal after being arrested.

On June 18, he was pulled over under the suspicion of drunk driving in Long Island shortly before 12.30am after drinking with friends at The American Hotel bar in Sag Harbor.

Initially, it was stated in a police report, which DailyMail.com got exclusively, that he didn’t pass several sobriety checks at that moment.

As a former law enforcement officer with over 25 years of experience, I have seen countless cases of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). It is always disheartening to see someone, especially someone as high-profile as Justin, make such a mistake. I can only imagine the consequences he will face both legally and personally.

The judge told Justin he was suspending his driving privileges in the state of New York because of his refusal to take a breath test at police headquarters after his arrest, but did not specify how long the suspension would last.  

After Attorney Edward Burke Jr. attempted to dismiss the case last week due to alleged mistakes in the initial warrant for Justin’s arrest, the judge decided against this and instead instructed a new arraignment for him instead.

Justin appeared via video link in the courtroom from Antwerp, Belgium, as he continues his European tour in the wake of the scandal.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

Last year, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher faced intense criticism for standing by their That ’70s Show colleague Danny Masterson during his sexual misconduct allegations.

During his court case, the celebrity pair penned letters to the judge on behalf of Danny, who is 48 years old, asking for a more lenient judgment.

In May 2023, Danny received a 30-year prison sentence for the rape of two women in 2003, which was officially handed down in September.

After his sentencing, it emerged that Mila and Ashton had penned letters to the judge while Danny’s case was ongoing.

Following strong criticism, the actress aged 40 and former Two and a Half Men star, both 46 years old, issued an apology on their respective social media platforms for any distress they may have caused, emphasizing their solidarity with victims in a brief joint video statement.

According to DailyMail.com’s notes, both Mila and Ashton praised Danny for consistently showing kindness, fairness, and generosity towards others.

In my own words, I’d say, “I am genuinely sincere and deliberate in all aspects of my life,” is how I might put it when penning a note to a judge.

For over two and a half decades, he’s consistently been truthful with me – something I’ve never had reason to doubt. He’s instilled in me the importance of straightforwardness and tackling life’s challenges squarely, addressing issues head-on, resolving them, and then pressing forward.

In her letter, Mila strongly endorsed Danny’s remarkable personality and the profoundly beneficial impact he has on others, including herself.

She went to emphasize that Danny serves as a remarkable role model, and she honored his resilience in maintaining his sobriety.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

Upon the disclosure of those letters, I found myself under a barrage of criticisms from individuals across the globe, even fellow celebrities such as Amy Schumer and Christina Ricci, not to mention one of Danny’s own victims, all adding their voices to the mix.

The woman, whose name has not been shared, called their letters ‘incredibly insulting and hurtful’.

She expressed her wish that they grasp profound responsibility and the significance of self-learning, so they know when to restrain their privileges, she added.

Afterward, the pair extended their sincere apologies, with Ashton expressing in a video posted on Instagram: “We understand the hurt inflicted by the statements we penned as Danny Masterson’s representatives.”

“Mila affirmed, ‘We stand with those who are hurt.’ We’ve shown that commitment in the past through our actions, and we plan to carry it forward into the coming days.”

At that point, the pair clarified that Danny’s relatives requested them to compose letters vouching for his character, which should be considered during sentencing. Mila emphasized that these letters were not intended to challenge the validity of the justice system.

After facing criticism, Ashton resigned from his position as chairman of his anti-child sexual abuse group, with insiders expressing concern that his actions might negatively impact their professional futures.

In June of the current year, the pair was spotted having dinner with Danny’s younger sibling, actor Jordan Masterson, as well as a friend, in the city of Beverly Hills.

Apart from being acquaintances for a long time, Ashton reportedly has chosen to keep his distance from Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently embroiled in various legal disputes, including allegations of multiple rape incidents. It’s believed that Ashton won’t be publicly backing Diddy during this time.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

Lizzo

Born as Melissa Jefferson, Lizzo faces an uncertain future in her career following a lawsuit filed against her by three ex-backup dancers.

Dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez have made allegations against her, claiming she has shown bias, engaged in inappropriate behavior, and fostered an unfriendly atmosphere at the workplace.

In a shocking legal claim filed in August 2023, the three individuals accused Lizzo of coercing them into inappropriate actions such as touching nude entertainers at an Amsterdam nightclub, and subjecting them to body-shaming comments.

In response to a lawsuit filed in October that was ultimately not dismissed, Lizzo’s lawyers contended that the plaintiffs were biased against her (had an axe to grind) and had shown a history of poor conduct and failing to meet professional standards.

The documents acquired by Billboard reveal that attorney Martin D. Singer penned: ‘The accusers have been conducting a public smear campaign against the defendants, spreading false narratives in both court and media. This practice is now ceasing.’

Besides the legal arguments presented, the lawyers additionally incorporated sworn declarations from eighteen individuals in Lizzo’s touring team that contradict several particular claims made in the lawsuit, such as assertions suggesting she body-shamed certain dancers.

The lawyers representing the accusers, Crystal Williams, Noelle Rodriguez, and Arianna Davis, strongly objected to the motion to throw out the case at that moment.

In February of this year, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge declined Lizzo’s petition to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit that has been filed against her.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

“Ron Zambrano, the lawyer for Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez, shared with People that they are extremely satisfied with the judge’s decision and view it as a net win overall.”

As a devoted follower, I want to share that Judge Mark H. Epstein indeed dismissed several claims brought forth. Among these were allegations about me being body-shamed, an incident involving a nude photoshoot, and the compulsory holding of dancers when they weren’t on tour.

As a devoted admirer, let me reiterate all my allegations, such as instances of sexual, religious, and racial bias, sexual misconduct, humiliating visits to the Bananenbar in Amsterdam and Crazy Horse in Paris, unjust detainment, and physical abuse. To clarify further, these are not mere allegations but deeply felt concerns I stand by.

According to Billboard’s report from March, the legal case involving Lizzo has been temporarily paused as she disputes the judge’s decision. The duration of this process remains uncertain at the moment.

Strictly Come Dancing

Over the last few months, Strictly Come Dancing has been embroiled in numerous scandals, culminating in an unexpected bullying controversy involving their dance performers.

Drama erupted in the popular UK dance contest as professionals Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice faced allegations of unacceptable conduct from their celebrity counterparts. A decision regarding Giovanni’s case, currently under investigation, is anticipated to be made public soon.

In January, a controversy known as the Strictly scandal arose when actress Amanda Abbington alleged that her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, had been abusive towards her. This came shortly after she left the show prematurely, only five weeks into it.

Actress Amanda Abbott, aged 50, has levied a string of allegations against Giovanni regarding his teaching techniques, characterizing his behavior as “unnecessarily harsh, abusive, cruel, and unkind.” However, Giovanni firmly refutes these accusations.

During an interview, Amanda referred to the dance competition as “tough battlefields,” explaining to Channel 4 News that BBC producers were reportedly shocked by footage showing potentially humiliating behavior of a sexual nature.

In July, I discovered that my respected mentor, Graziano Di Prima, had parted ways with Strictly Come Dancing following allegations of an incident involving a dance move that resembled a gentle tap, which was unfortunately misconstrued as a kick, towards his partner, the talented Love Island star, Zara McDermott.

Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year
Has cancel culture hit Hollywood? As Blake Lively comes under fire for 'tone deaf' It Ends With Us remarks... Inside the most notable celebrity controversies to engulf A-listers over the past year

As a devoted onlooker, I must share the heart-wrenching truth about my actions towards her. The abuse I inflicted was persistent, encompassing not only physical violence through kicks and blows, but also degrading verbal assaults. There were countless instances where this vicious cycle repeated, with physical attacks being more prevalent than verbal ones, yet each incident was equally horrifying.

There have been instances when his actions were truly horrific, it was appalling. His deeds paint him as gentle and harmless as a house cat compared to Giovanni.

As a devoted follower, I’ve found myself in a situation where I’m unable to fully comprehend the details of the actions I’m said to have taken.

The BBC won’t disclose more information because it pertains to the confidential situation under which the data was obtained, and they are bound by commitments to other parties.

After the scandal, the BBC implemented a tougher set of new care guidelines for their celebrities. Now, they hire supervisors to oversee rehearsals as an additional safety measure.

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2024-08-25 07:52

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