Blake Lively Blasts ‘THR’ Over ‘Sexist’ Cover Amid Justin Baldoni Legal Battle

Blake Lively has strongly condemned The Hollywood Reporter for its controversial cover, which portrays her as being at war with Justin Baldoni amid her ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit against him.

The cover artwork in question has sparked outrage online, with many calling it a tone-deaf attempt at satire that trivializes Blake Lively’s serious allegations against Justin Baldoni.

The cover portrays Lively using a slingshot to hurl a cellphone at Baldoni, who is depicted clutching a copy of “It Ends With Us” while running away.

The imagery is meant to reference the biblical story of David and Goliath, where David, a young shepherd, defies the odds to take down a giant. In this version, Lively appears to be taking on the role of David, while Baldoni is cast as Goliath.

Adding another layer to the controversy, the full landscape version of the artwork features Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, dressed as “Nicepool,” a supposed “Deadpool” variant. This inclusion references Baldoni’s own legal claims, in which he accused Reynolds of creating the “Nicepool” character to “bully” him.

In a statement to Daily Mail, a spokesperson for Lively called out the publication’s framing of the lawsuit, accusing the outlet of perpetuating “sexist tropes.”

“The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself,” the spokesperson said. “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.”

The statement further criticized the article itself, arguing that it attempts to minimize allegations of sexual harassment that have been documented in Lively’s legal filings.

“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,’” the statement continued.

Following the cover’s release, X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, users were quick to criticize the magazine, accusing The Hollywood Reporter of mocking Lively’s lawsuit and downplaying her allegations.

Many argued that the artwork makes light of serious claims, reinforcing harmful narratives that discourage women from speaking out against workplace harassment.

“Incredibly inappropriate,” one user wrote. “You have a responsibility as a publication, but time and time again yours has trivialized sexual harassment and assault, among other horrible things.”

“No one thought there was something wrong here?” someone else asked.

“The audacity to turn this whole case into a joke is f-cking alarming,” a third expressed. “I stand with Blake Lively because I believe her… I don’t care if people say she’s not a perfect victim or whatever bullsh-t, it really doesn’t matter. Predators should be punished.”

“Something is actually deeply wrong with your publication that you thought this disgusting cover was even remotely appropriate,” another said. “This is disturbing.”

During the live broadcast, Reynolds was asked how he was doing, to which he smirked and quipped, “Great! Why, what have you heard?” The audience laughed, but social media was divided.

Many viewers criticized Reynolds for making light of a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and extortion.

A legal insider told Page Six that Reynolds’ joke could now be used against Lively in court.

“It’s very plausible that Justin’s legal team will use this public outing to defend him,” the source explained.

They also pointed out the stark contrast in how both parties are handling the case, adding, “Justin is taking this lawsuit in all seriousness and isn’t making a public mockery out of it.”

While it remains unclear how Baldoni’s legal team will incorporate Reynolds’ “SNL” appearance into their defense, both sides had previously been warned against making public statements or taking actions that could influence a potential jury.

With tensions continuing to rise, the ongoing lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni is becoming one of Hollywood’s most contentious legal battles. Now, it appears even the media’s coverage of the case is facing intense scrutiny.