Interviewing Blake Lively: A Reporter’s Unforgettable Experience
In the world of celebrity journalism, few interviews make a lasting impression quite like the one between Kjersti Flaa and Blake Lively. Recounting her experience years later, Flaa described her 2016 interview with Lively and her co-star Parker Posey as a “nightmare.” The incident left such a significant mark on the reporter that she even considered quitting her job. This article delves into the details of that fateful interview, exploring the dynamics between the participants and the broader implications for celebrity journalism.
The Initial Encounter: A Tense Start
The interview took place during the promotion of the Woody Allen movie “Café Society,” which starred Blake Lively and Parker Posey. The tension was palpable from the beginning. Flaa congratulated Lively, then 36, on her “little bump,” referring to her second pregnancy. Lively, known for her role in “Gossip Girl,” replied with a sarcastic, “Congrats on your little bump,” which set an awkward tone for the rest of the conversation. Parker Posey, 55 at the time, tried to lighten the mood by showing off her own “bump,” but the tension remained thick.
The Fashion Question: A Feminist Undertone
As the interview continued, Flaa complimented the movie’s visual appeal and asked the actresses if they enjoyed the fashion aspect of it. Lively’s response was telling. Without making eye contact with Flaa, she remarked to Posey, “Everyone wants to talk about the clothes, but I wonder if they would ask the men about the clothes.” Flaa attempted to salvage the conversation by insisting she would ask the men about their outfits, but Lively and Posey continued their discussion, largely ignoring the reporter.
The Broader Implications: Gender Dynamics in Media
The exchange between Flaa and Lively highlights a significant issue in media: the different treatment of male and female celebrities. Lively’s comment about the focus on women’s clothing underscores a broader societal tendency to reduce women to their appearances, a sentiment echoed in many celebrity interviews.
The Public Reaction: Social Media Outrage
The video of the interview went viral, drawing widespread criticism of Lively’s behavior. Social media users labeled her actions as “weird and uncalled for,” praising Flaa for maintaining her composure during what many described as a “thoroughly unpleasant” experience.
- User Feedback:
- One commenter stated, “They were so rude it was hard to watch. Well done you for not joining in.”
- Another remarked, “My jaw dropped watching the interview.”
Despite the backlash, Lively’s representative did not respond to requests for comment.
The Ripple Effect: Current Headlines and Alleged On-Set Drama
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Lively has made headlines for alleged difficult behavior. Recently, she has been in the spotlight for rumored on-set tension with her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Reports suggest that the duo’s strained relationship has led to them avoiding joint interviews and red carpet appearances, further fueling speculation about their professional rapport.
Insider Insights: Industry Perspectives
An industry source revealed to Page Six that Baldoni was perceived as “extremely difficult,” making Lively and others on set uncomfortable. The source also claimed that the overall cast and crew did not enjoy working with Baldoni, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
FAQs
Why did Kjersti Flaa feel like quitting her job after interviewing Blake Lively?
Flaa described the interview as the “most uncomfortable” situation she had ever experienced, largely due to Lively’s sarcastic and dismissive behavior.
What was the controversy surrounding the fashion question?
Lively subtly criticized the focus on women’s clothing in interviews, questioning whether male actors would receive the same treatment. This highlighted a broader issue of gender bias in media.
How did social media react to the interview?
Social media users largely condemned Lively’s behavior, praising Flaa for maintaining her professionalism despite the awkward situation.
What recent headlines involve Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
Lively and Baldoni have been in the news for alleged on-set drama during the filming of “It Ends With Us,” with reports suggesting a strained professional relationship.
Did Blake Lively’s representative respond to the controversy?
No, Lively’s representative did not respond to requests for comment regarding the interview.
Conclusion
The interview between Kjersti Flaa and Blake Lively serves as a poignant example of the complexities and challenges inherent in celebrity journalism. It underscores the importance of professionalism and the impact of gender dynamics in media interactions. While the experience was undoubtedly a difficult one for Flaa, it also shed light on broader societal issues, prompting valuable discussions about the treatment of women in the public eye. As Lively continues to make headlines, the lessons learned from this interview remain relevant, offering insights into the intricate world of celebrity culture.