Blake Lively made a highly anticipated return to the red carpet at the premiere of Another Simple Favor during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas.
However, the event took an unexpected turn when a protester arrived, targeting Lively with accusations related to her ongoing legal battle with actor and director Justin Baldoni.
Protester Disrupts Premiere with Bold Message
As Lively walked the red carpet, a woman appeared in the crowd holding a sign that read, “Justice for Justin Baldoni. Blake lied.” She also wore a shirt bearing a similar message.
The demonstration served as a stark reminder that the controversy surrounding It Ends With Us, the film starring Lively and directed by Baldoni, is far from over.
Lively, known for her poise in public appearances, continued engaging with fans and photographers, seemingly unbothered by the protestor’s presence.
However, the incident cast a shadow over what was meant to be a triumphant return to the spotlight for the actress.
Awkward Moment with Co-Star Anna Kendrick
Another tense moment came when Lively’s Another Simple Favor co-star, Anna Kendrick, gave a less-than-enthusiastic response to a question about working with Lively on the sequel. When asked about their experience together, Kendrick simply replied, “Oh, you know.”
While the two actresses posed alongside director Paul Feig, there were no apparent solo photos of just the two of them, fueling speculation that their relationship may be strictly professional rather than friendly.
Blake Lively’s Fashion Statement
For the event, Lively donned a skintight nude and black dress layered under a pink plastic-style cover-up, which she dramatically removed while speaking to the crowd. “Okay, this is coming off now, that’s better,” she said, revealing the form-fitting gown beneath.
Despite the distractions, she maintained a confident presence, engaging with fans and addressing the audience inside Austin’s Paramount Theater. During the event, Lively expressed her enthusiasm for the Another Simple Favor sequel, calling her character one of her favorites she has ever played.
Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni Continues
Lively’s red carpet appearance comes amid a legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, her It Ends With Us co-star and director. The legal battle began in December when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and defamation. Baldoni fired back with a $400 million lawsuit in February, alleging that Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane engaged in defamation and extortion against him.
Baldoni has denied Lively’s allegations, while Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane have denied the claims made against them. The dispute has resulted in a messy public feud, with Baldoni’s team even launching a website sharing text messages and private communications related to the controversy.
Film Industry Tensions and Director Paul Feig’s Response
The scandal surrounding It Ends With Us has led to rumors that Lively exerted control over the film’s production. Some online commenters speculated that she may have influenced director Paul Feig on Another Simple Favor as well. Feig quickly shut down such claims, stating, “It’s my cut. There is no other cut … just wanted to clear that up.”
Feig, who previously worked with Lively on the first A Simple Favor film, also defended her, calling her a “dream to work with” and an “amazing collaborator.” However, his remarks sparked backlash from fans who believe Baldoni’s accusations hold weight.
Industry Reactions and the Future of Lively’s Career
Lively’s ongoing legal battle and the public scrutiny surrounding her dispute with Baldoni have raised concerns about how it might impact her career. While some industry insiders believe she will weather the storm, others speculate that the controversy could overshadow her work, including Another Simple Favor.
Anna Kendrick’s reluctance to openly praise Lively has only added to the speculation that the cast dynamics of Another Simple Favor may not be as harmonious as they appear. Some sources suggest Kendrick is frustrated that the drama surrounding Lively is taking attention away from the film itself.
What’s Next for Lively?
Despite the ongoing legal drama, Lively continues to push forward in her career. Another Simple Favor promises to deliver more mystery and intrigue as Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) reunite for another thrilling adventure—this time in Italy.
However, whether Lively can fully separate herself from the controversy remains to be seen. With court proceedings still ongoing, the actress faces significant challenges both professionally and personally.
For now, Lively remains focused on promoting her latest film while navigating the turbulent waters of Hollywood scandal, proving that she isn’t backing down—no matter how many obstacles come her way.
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