Improvised Scene Reignites Firestorm
The Blake Lively controversy erupted again after an old clip from A Simple Favor resurfaced online. In the footage, Lively admits she improvised a scene in which she grabbed co-star Henry Golding’s genitals. The moment, which director Paul Feig called one of his “favorite additions,” stunned fans once it re-emerged amid her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni.
Lively, 36, made the confession during the Blu-ray commentary for the film. She joked about the interaction being “awkward,” saying it was true to her character’s bold personality. However, many viewers have now criticized the unscripted move as inappropriate and troubling, especially in light of her allegations against Baldoni.
Fans Slam Lively After Clip Goes Viral
Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa, who previously clashed with Lively in an awkward interview, reshared the clip, calling it “unacceptable.” Legal commentator @elsrich also amplified the footage, suggesting the moment raises important questions given the lawsuit’s context.
Online commenters echoed the sentiment. “This is absolutely disgusting,” one user wrote. “Where was the intimacy coordinator?” another asked. “No wonder Henry Golding never follows her,” someone else added. The backlash grew rapidly across social platforms, deepening the already heated Blake Lively controversy.
Tensions With Anna Kendrick Questioned Amid Legal Fallout
Lively’s behind-the-scenes behavior has also fueled rumors of a strained relationship with co-star Anna Kendrick. Despite both appearing at the Another Simple Favor premiere at SXSW, Lively’s social media posts excluded any candid photos with Kendrick.
Director Paul Feig denied any tension, stating that the cast had “a great experience” on set. However, when a YouTuber claimed Lively was “terrified” to walk the red carpet with Kendrick, Feig offered only a brief rebuttal: “Um … you’re wrong.”
Lawsuits, Allegations, And A Deepening Public Rift
The core of the Blake Lively controversy stems from a December 2024 lawsuit she filed against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios executives, alleging sexual harassment and a coordinated smear campaign. Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation lawsuit, naming Lively, husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane.
Lively’s legal team has filed to dismiss the countersuit, calling it a “profound abuse of the legal process.” The documents argue that Baldoni’s suit violates protections for individuals who report misconduct and attempt to silence survivors through retaliatory lawsuits.
Trial Date Set As Public Divides Over Scandal
The court has scheduled the former co-stars’ trial for March 9, 2026. Until then, the fallout from the Blake Lively controversy shows no signs of slowing. While Lively has denied all allegations against her, her decision to skip most promotional duties for the Simple Favor sequel has only fueled further speculation.
With both parties locked in an increasingly bitter legal battle, fans remain divided. Some believe Lively is being unfairly targeted, while others argue that her on-set behavior undercuts her credibility.
As this high-profile case unfolds, it could have lasting consequences for both Lively’s career and the broader conversation around accountability in Hollywood.
