Ex-Reporter Nearly Quit Job After Blake Lively Interview in 2016

Blake Lively, often celebrated for her role as Manhattan’s ‘IT’ girl, recently showcased a different facet of her personality that led a reporter to reconsider their career. This unexpected twist unfolded during a 2016 press junket for the movie Café Society, where Lively was being interviewed alongside her co-star Parker Posey.

Journalist Jkersti Flaa released the interview on her YouTube channel on August 10. In the video description, she wrote, “Sitting down with Blake Lively and her co-star Parker Posey for Café Society (2016) was the most uncomfortable interview situation I have ever experienced. Is it not okay to congratulate someone on their pregnancy or to ask another woman about costumes she is wearing in a film?”

The uncomfortable exchange began when Jkersti congratulated Lively on her pregnancy, saying, “Congrats on your little bump.” Blake responded with the same phrase directed back at her, sharing an awkward laugh with Posey. The conversation quickly turned uncomfortable for the reporter.

Viewers of the video were quick to support the journalist, with many criticizing Lively’s behavior. One commented, “She and her husband talk about their kids all the time, and you can’t congratulate her on her pregnancy? That was such weird and uncalled-for behavior. I’m sorry you had to sit through that.” Another user expressed disappointment, “I’m very turned off by Blake and Parker’s behavior. It lacked tact, and Blake, in particular, was extremely rude and lacked class here. Shame on her.”

The tension escalated when Blake ignored the journalist during the interview. Instead of addressing the reporter’s questions, she focused on talking directly to her co-star. At one point, when asked about wardrobe choices, Lively remarked, “Everyone wants to talk about the clothes, but I wonder if they would ask the men about the clothes,” maintaining eye contact with Posey.

This resurfaced interview gained attention amid rumors of a rift between Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. Speculation about creative differences emerged after the two were not seen together in premiere photos, with Baldoni notably absent.

The video’s reemergence has led to a wider discussion about the perceived behavior of celebrities during interviews. While some argue that topics like pregnancy and wardrobe should be considered private, others believe they are fair game given the public nature of celebrity life. Whatever the stance, it’s clear that such interviews can have lasting repercussions on public perception.

Blake Lively’s career, defined by high-profile roles and a strong public image, might face scrutiny as a result. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between celebrity privacy and public interest. It also highlights the challenges journalists face when navigating sensitive topics in interviews.

The encounter left a significant mark on Jkersti Flaa’s career. Episodes like this can be challenging for reporters, who must balance sensitivity with the need for relevant and engaging content. Ultimately, the incident underscores the sometimes unpredictable nature of celebrity interviews and the impact they can have on both parties involved.

Despite the awkwardness of this particular interview, it is essential to recognize that off moments can occur in any profession. In the world of celebrity journalism, the stakes are often high, and a single uncomfortable exchange can ripple through the industry. For Blake Lively and her fans, this might just be a small blip in an otherwise stellar career. However, the discussion it has sparked about interview etiquette and respect is likely to continue.

The resurfaced video and its subsequent reactions serve as a reflection on both celebrity behavior and the challenges faced by journalists. Whether this incident alters public perception significantly remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a new layer to Blake Lively’s public persona and the conversation surrounding celebrity interviews.

Source: Getty Images, YouTube