Blake Lively’s professional life is under scrutiny as her legal battle with “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni continues. 

In December, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress. 

The ongoing legal conflict has placed the 37-year-old actress at the center of negative attention, 

further complicating her career as she promotes her upcoming film Another Simple Favor, a sequel to the 2018 hit A Simple Favor.

Scheduled for its premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March, the film has already sparked controversy. 

As Lively promotes the project, some social media users have expressed their disapproval. 

“Has no one told her she’s canceled?” one user commented on an Instagram post promoting the film, while another questioned the timing of her promotion given the ongoing legal drama.

Experts suggest Lively’s press tour for Another Simple Favor could go either way. Public relations specialist Doug Eldridge notes that the attention around the film might either boost interest or detract from its integrity. “It will either be a distraction or an attraction,” Eldridge told Fox News Digital. While some could find the added press due to the lawsuit intriguing, others may view it as a negative overshadowing the film’s release. Eldridge also referenced Madonna’s famous quote, “All press is good press,” but pointed out that media coverage is not always black and white. Lively is learning firsthand how challenging navigating both her personal and professional lives can be.

Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert weighed in on the potential damage to Lively’s reputation. “The attention isn’t working in her favor,” Alpert said, referring to the backlash against Lively for promoting Another Simple Favor amid her legal issues. “The real issue is whether it’s good press,” he added. If the media focuses too much on the legal battle, it could overshadow the film’s narrative and divert attention away from its merits. Alpert stresses that while studios are keen on buzz, it is critical that it doesn’t detract from the work itself.

Adding fuel to the fire, rumors about tensions between Lively and her Another Simple Favor co-star, Anna Kendrick, have resurfaced. Some social media users have speculated that a rift exists between the two actresses. However, these claims have been refuted by both Kendrick and the film’s director, Paul Feig. “This is total BS,” Feig responded to the rumors on social media, emphasizing that there is no conflict between Lively and Kendrick.

Despite the unsubstantiated rumors, Alpert advised Lively to take control of the narrative during her press tour. “The worst thing she could do is look caught off guard or defensive, as that will only fuel more speculation,” Alpert cautioned. Instead, he suggests Lively should steer conversations away from personal matters and focus on the professional. “She needs controlled talking points that acknowledge the drama but don’t dwell on it,” he said. How she handles this media storm will significantly impact her long-term career.

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni is far from over. In December, Lively filed her lawsuit alleging serious claims of sexual harassment and emotional distress, while Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation lawsuit against her and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni’s legal team recently released unedited footage from the set of It Ends With Us, which they argue contradicts Lively’s accusations. Lively’s lawyers countered, claiming the footage supports her claims.

Tensions between the two actors escalated when Lively’s team requested a gag order on Baldoni’s lawyer, accusing him of intimidating tactics. Baldoni’s team responded, calling the request a “tactical game.” As the legal drama intensifies, the matter has now moved to federal court, where a judge recently issued orders limiting public statements that could prejudice a potential jury.

Lively’s legal troubles and the ongoing media scrutiny represent a significant challenge to her reputation and career. However, industry insiders suggest that how she handles the pressure could shape her future in Hollywood. “People forget controversy, but they don’t forget how someone handles it,” Alpert pointed out. If Lively maintains professionalism and poise in the face of adversity, she may come out ahead in the long run.

As the actress balances her personal and professional life amidst public scrutiny, all eyes will be on her during the press tour for Another Simple Favor. Whether the attention surrounding her legal battle ultimately benefits or harms her career remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Lively is navigating a tumultuous period that could shape her future in Hollywood.

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