Julia Roberts’ old interview appeared to have contributed significantly against Blake Lively amid the release of the 2024 film It Ends With Us. Based on Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name, the film tackles serious themes of domestic violence. And it has sparked significant criticism, particularly due to its promotion.
Amid her promotion tour, focusing on florals rather than addressing the film’s central themes, a resurfaced interview of Roberts discussing her 1991 film Sleeping With the Enemy added to the criticism against Lively, even before the legal drama involving her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
Julia Roberts’ thoughtful response in addressing the central theme of Sleeping With the Enemy
Celebrated for her illustrious career since her breakout role in the 1990 classic Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts has become a household name. Shortly after her rise to fame, Roberts took on a much darker role in the 1991 psychological thriller Sleeping With the Enemy.
Starring alongside Patrick Bergin, she portrayed Laura, a woman who fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband, only to be relentlessly pursued when he discovers she’s still alive.
Following her Golden Globe win for Pretty Woman, Roberts sat down for an interview with the late Bobbie Wygant, where she was asked how she would react if she were in her character’s shoes in Sleeping With the Enemy.
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However, unlike Lively, who faced criticism for her seemingly out-of-touch approach to discussing the film’s serious themes, then 23-year-old Roberts gave a more thoughtful response. “That’s not for me to really say,” she said.
“I can’t even fathom being in a situation quite that horrible, it’s not in my realm of understanding,” the actress continued. When Wygant suggested she would fight back rather than endure years of abuse like the character, Roberts further explained,
I think it’s a process of manipulation that grows and becomes stronger than that. It’s not kind of that cut and dry. I think it’s amazingly psychological and very destructive, so I don’t think it’s quite that simple.
Roberts’ composed and insightful response has received praise, as noted by BuzzFeed. However, Roberts’ resurfaced interview added to the criticism against Lively’s handling of the themes during the promotion of It Ends With Us.
Julia Roberts’ resurfaced interview intensified backlash against Blake Lively
Amid the release of It Ends With Us, Blake Lively was subjected to intense backlash. The actress later claimed in her lawsuit that the backlash was fueled by Justin Baldoni’s alleged retaliation campaign against her.
However, the film’s director has denied the allegations, arguing that the public criticism of Lively was organic. While it yet remains to be proven, Julia Roberts’ resurfaced interview has also been embroiled in the conversation following the film’s release.
Lively, who recently made some serious allegations against Justin Baldoni in her amended lawsuit, has been widely criticized for her promotion of the movie, with many describing it as tone-deaf and out-of-touch.
People have constantly expressed frustration with her promotional tour and out-of-touch responses when asked about the serious theme of the movie. And Julia Roberts’ resurfaced interview further intensified the backlash amid the release of It Ends With Us.
“Even in the 90s, Julia was so far ahead of the curve on how to answer questions on DV [domestic violence]. Take notes, Blake,” wrote TikTok user @dammitsarah79, who reposted the interview.
“Julia was so far ahead of the curve on how to answer questions on DV [domestic violence],” another user shared their thoughts in the comment section, while more added, “Very well said. Blake should take notes.”
The resurfaced interview has since gained significant attention, with many praising Roberts while criticizing Lively’s handling of the film’s central theme.
Lively has since filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, claiming that he orchestrated a smear campaign against her, along with allegations of s*xual harassment. Baldoni has denied the claims and has countersued Lively in a $400 million lawsuit.
It Ends With Us is available to watch on Netflix.
Sleeping With the Enemy is available to watch on Hulu.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
