Julia Roberts’ Interview On Domestic Violence Resurfaces Amid Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us Backlash

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As someone who has spent a significant portion of my life immersed in the world of cinema and its various narratives, I find myself both heartbroken and enlightened by the recent turn of events involving Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us and the comparison to Julia Roberts’ 1991 film, Sleeping with the Enemy.

Blake Lively’s good intention to portray the horrors of domestic abuse through the movie “It Ends With Us” has instead led to criticism and close examination by fans, due to insensitive comments she made about the subject during an interview for promotion.

Online users are currently drawing parallels between her style and that of seasoned actress Julia Roberts, particularly in relation to her 1991 film “Sleeping with the Enemy,” which shares similar themes of domestic abuse. A video of Roberts speaking eloquently and compassionately about this topic has been widely shared on social media platforms after the August 9 release of “It Ends With Us.”

In the viral clip, Julia Roberts, 56, talked to host Bobbie Wygant about her reaction to domestic abuse in light of her Sleeping with the Enemy character. When asked, the star tread carefully to address the plight of victims and how she was not in a position to answer for them. 

In the interview following my Golden Globe win for Pretty Woman, I expressed that such a statement about a horrific situation isn’t one I feel qualified to make. Frankly, it’s beyond my comprehension to imagine myself in such a dire circumstance; it simply lies outside of my personal realm of understanding.

Bobbie Wygant admitted that the topic was beyond her comprehension, but she would undoubtedly find the courage to respond assertively instead of tolerating it for nearly four years like Laura Burney in the story of Roberts.

The Notting Hill actor debated Wygant’s insights, highlighting that domestic abuse is “a process of manipulation” that builds up on the victim, as opposed to a “cut and dry” wound. She added that the issue is “amazingly psychological” and equally destructive for the victim alone to defend themselves out of the abusive situation. “so I don’t think it’s quite that simple,” Roberts finished.

The video garnered more than 2 million views on TikTok, with numerous admirers applauding the actress’s performance. One supporter commented, “She was only 22 years old yet so insightful and eloquent,” while another complimented her for her emotional intelligence.

For those not familiar, actress Blake Lively, aged 36, has been criticized for her casual responses in an interview with Jake’s Takes on August 8, 2024, regarding domestic violence. In the discussion led by host Jake Hamilton, he asked Lively about the potential effect of a film directed by Justin Baldoni might have on people, especially victims of abuse.

As a passionate admirer, I find myself compelled to share that this film has the power to resonate deeply with people, stirring conversations about their own lives. If by chance, someone who appreciates the movie’s themes encounters me in public and wishes to discuss it, here’s an approach I believe would facilitate such a dialogue:

In a light-hearted manner, the actress from The Age of Adaline playfully suggested that she could easily provide them with her location or contact details by saying, “You can ask for my address, or my phone number, or even a location share! I could just location-share you instead…”

Fans are upset with Lively’s carefree attitude and seem to think she doesn’t fully understand the seriousness of the topic, as reported by BuzzFeed. Even though the interview was conducted a day before the movie premiere, the situation has escalated into a full-blown controversy over time. (Paraphrased)

Comparing Blake Lively and Julia Roberts mainly highlights their awareness and commitment towards tackling heavy, thought-provoking themes when creating films.

However, fans were also irked by Lively’s promotional efforts during the press tour for her hair care line and drink brand, Betty Buzz. 

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2024-08-20 15:07