Blake Lively is NOT happy with that new Hollywood Reporter article!
On Friday, the outlet dropped a bombshell report about the actress’ legal fight against Justin Baldoni, in part suggesting the whole thing was maybe just a “cultural misunderstanding” thanks to the It Ends With Us director’s involvement in the Baha’i faith.
In a statement to DailyMail.com on Friday, a spokesperson for the Gossip Girl lead slammed the article — and especially the “sexist” cover image!
Related: Lorne Michaels Can’t Stop Texting About Blake & Justin Lawsuit After SNL!
The dramatic artwork takes inspiration from the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. It features Blake aiming a slingshot (with her phone inside) at her opponent, who holds a copy of the Colleen Hoover book. In the background of the landscape version of the image, Blake’s husband Ryan Reynolds, dressed as Nicepool, stands behind Blake while Justin’s lawyer Bryan Freedman stands behind him. See (below):
Blake’s team blasted the publication, telling DM:
“The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself.”
They’re especially upset over the artwork because it portrays Blake as “the aggressor” — despite her very serious allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. They continued:
“The framing in this picture is outrageously insulting as it plays into every sexist trope about women who dare file a workplace complaint, turning them into the aggressor, and suggesting they deserve the retaliation that comes their way.”
As for the contents of the report, the statement furthered:
“In addition, the story is extremely offensive as it incredibly seems to explain away documented examples of sexual harassment and retaliation by calling them ‘cultural misunderstandings.'”
BTW, Blake isn’t the only one frustrated by the pic. There are many who slammed the outlet for making a “mockery” out of the workplace scandal. On the other hand, others are confused why she was depicted as David, the underdog who defied the odds by taking down a giant, despite being the larger star in the scenario. Safe to say this has stirred up a lot of controversy!
This report was published just after Blake filed an amended lawsuit, in which she claimed there were two other actresses on set who raised concerns about Justin or his producer pal Jamey Heath. The details were left out for privacy reasons, but they are willing to testify. Justin’s lawyers hit back at the new allegations, arguing that the mother of four has a “lack of actual evidence.”
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[Image via Patricia Schlein/WENN & NBC/YouTube]
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