In a recent episode of her Citizen McCain podcast, Meghan McCain didn’t hold back her criticism of Blake Lively’s approach during the press tour for the upcoming movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, It Ends With Us.
McCain, known for her outspoken views, took issue with how Lively handled questions related to the movie, which tackles the heavy and sensitive subject of domestic violence.
McCain’s comments sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of actors when promoting films with serious themes and the fine line between celebrity culture and social responsibility.
During the podcast, McCain expressed her disappointment with Lively’s press tour, particularly the way the actress fielded questions about the film’s subject matter.
McCain began by emphasizing the gravity of domestic violence, a central theme in It Ends With Us, and how Lively’s responses during interviews didn’t align with the seriousness of the topic.
“If you’re taking on the responsibility of telling the story about a woman in a domestic violence situation, you have to be respectful that you’re representing victims—millions and millions of women and men who are victims of domestic violence,” McCain stated.
For McCain, Lively’s tone during the press tour seemed incongruent with the movie’s theme. She criticized Lively for what she perceived as a light-hearted approach, which McCain felt undermined the film’s message.
“I was very surprised at some of her responses,” McCain said. “I think the tone she’s setting in a lot of the press with this, saying, ‘put on your florals and come together, girls,’ is tone-deaf to the gravity of the subject.”
McCain’s critique centers on the notion that the promotion of a film dealing with such a sensitive topic should be approached with the utmost seriousness.
She argued that Lively’s suggestion to treat the film as a fun outing with friends was misguided and inappropriate.
“I don’t want to put florals on and go with my girlfriends and go watch a fun girl movie about domestic violence,” McCain remarked, highlighting the disconnect she felt between the film’s subject and its promotional narrative.
McCain didn’t stop at criticizing Lively’s press tour; she also questioned Lively’s place in Hollywood and her celebrity status.
“I don’t understand why she’s famous other than Gossip Girl and [being] married to Ryan Reynolds,” McCain said, downplaying Lively’s contributions to the entertainment industry.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything she’s actually in,” she added, further questioning the actress’s relevance.
This part of McCain’s critique taps into a broader conversation about the nature of celebrity culture and the ways in which fame is often perceived to overshadow talent or meaningful contributions.
McCain’s remarks suggest a frustration with what she sees as the superficial aspects of celebrity, where public personas and relationships sometimes eclipse professional accomplishments.
Moreover, McCain expressed her fatigue with hearing about Lively and Reynolds in the media, indicating that overexposure could be detrimental to a celebrity’s public image.
“I’m also just sick of hearing about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively,” she said. “I’m sick of hearing about them, and I think that’s a dangerous spot for any celebrity.”
This sentiment speaks to the challenges that celebrities face in balancing their public and private lives, especially in an age where social media and entertainment news can create an oversaturation of certain public figures.
McCain’s criticism of Lively raises important questions about the responsibilities actors and filmmakers have when telling stories that deal with serious issues like domestic violence.
It Ends With Us is a novel that resonated with many readers precisely because of its raw and honest portrayal of domestic abuse.
The story’s impact is rooted in its ability to shed light on the complexities and painful realities of such experiences, making it more than just entertainment—it’s a narrative that carries significant social implications.
For McCain, the way Lively approached the promotion of the film seemed to downplay these implications.
The criticism suggests that actors involved in such projects should be more mindful of how they present the story to the public, ensuring that the gravity of the subject matter is communicated effectively.
In McCain’s view, promoting a film about domestic violence should be done with the sensitivity and respect that the topic deserves, rather than treating it as a typical blockbuster or light-hearted drama.
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As with many of McCain’s public statements, her comments on Lively’s press tour have likely sparked a range of reactions, from support to backlash.
Social media platforms, where celebrity discourse often thrives, will likely see discussions about McCain’s critique and whether it’s justified.
Some may agree with McCain’s concerns about the portrayal of serious topics in film promotions, while others might see her comments as overly harsh or dismissive of Lively’s efforts.
Ultimately, McCain’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension between celebrity culture and social responsibility.
As public figures, celebrities like Blake Lively have significant influence, and their approach to promoting projects can shape public perceptions of the issues those projects address.
McCain’s critique serves as a reminder that with fame comes responsibility, especially when dealing with stories that have the power to impact the lives of those who have experienced similar hardships.
In the end, the conversation sparked by McCain’s comments will likely continue as audiences anticipate the release of It Ends With Us.
The film’s reception, both critically and culturally, may hinge not only on its artistic merits but also on how effectively it conveys its message and resonates with those who see their own experiences reflected in the story.
For now, McCain’s critique remains a pointed reminder of the importance of sensitivity and responsibility in the world of entertainment.
