Blake Lively "Felt Very Vulnerable And Upset" Over 'It Ends With Us' Drama

blake lively it ends with us

Blake Lively's It Ends With Us was one of our most-anticipated movies of 2024. The film, based on the Colleen Hoover bookof the same name, follows Lily Bloom (played by Lively), a flower shop owner who finds herself in an abusive relationship after she falls in love with Ryle, played by Justin Baldoni. Throughout the movie's press run, Baldoni spoke extensively on domestic violence awareness.

"If a Lily Bloom in real life can sit in this theater and maybe make a different choice for herself than was made for her, maybe she sees herself on that screen and chooses something different for herself, that's why I made the movie," the actor and director told ET at the film's New York premiere. Fans were less thrilled with Lively's choice to almost exclusively promote the film as a romance movie (that is, until she finally shared domestic violence resources in an August 13 Instagram story). Here's what Blake Lively has said about the It Ends With Us movie so far.

​September 10, 2024 — Blake Lively Was "Surprised" At The 'It Ends With Us' Drama

Sony Pictures Releasing

According to a People source, Blake Lively was "pretty surprised at the backlash and drama," which "felt out of control to her."

"She initially felt very vulnerable and upset," the source continues. "During the promotion of the movie, not one day went by when she was not in the news in an unfavorable light. She's just not used to this kind of drama."

Despite the response to her It Ends With Us press, Lively "enjoys working and will continue to push forward projects that she's excited about," which includes A Simple Favor 2 with Anna Kendrick.

​August 13, 2024 — Blake Lively Shares Resources To Instagram

Blake Lively/Instagram

After telling fans to "grab your friends and wear your florals," Blake Lively shared an Instagram story on August 13 detailing domestic violence awareness and resources.

"1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the US alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime," she says in the Instagram story. "Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.

​August 8, 2024 — Blake Lively Details Her Process Of Making 'It Ends With Us'

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

During an interview with Brit + Co's Chloe Williams, Blake Lively revealed how much of her personal life made it into It Ends With Us (and not just because her sister Robyn Lively makes a cameo).

"I took the relationships with my mother and my sisters or my children and my feelings, and I mean it's all over this film," she says. "I'll never tell anybody but when I sit in that theater with my loved ones, they see themselves all over this film, moments we've had together, things we've said to each other...I feel so proud and it's so personal to me."

"This story is told with empathy," she continues. "She leads with empathy but also the storytelling leads with empathy."

August 7, 2024 — Blake Lively Talks That Taylor Swift 'Folklore' Needle Drop

Sony Pictures Releasing

After the It Ends With Us trailer (and later the movie) nearly broke the internet thanks to its inclusion of Taylor Swift's heartbreaking "My Tears Ricochet," Blake Lively told The Hollywood Reporterthat any Taylor Swift song would have been an incredible addition to the movie.

“All of her songs are great, we could have put any song up there. We could have done like a voice memo song, it would have been the best song to have ever been in a movie.”

​August 6, 2024 — Blake Lively Reveals Ryan Reynolds Wrote An 'It Ends With Us' Scene

Sony Pictures Releasing

During an interview for the movie, Blake Lively revealed that husband Ryan Reynolds actually had pretty specific involvement in the process. (Although this created another level of drama because the movie's timeline suggested they could have worked on It Ends With Us during the Hollywood strikes. A Variety source claims he wrote it in April 2023 before the strikes were called).

"The iconic rooftop scene, my husband actually wrote it," Blake Lively tells E! News."He works on everything I do, I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine and mine are his."

She also points out that some of his clothing made it into Lily Bloom's wardrobe. "I have a few of my husband's shirts and socks randomly in the movie," she tells People, as well as "some of Gigi Hadid's sweaters in the movie."

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential, and consistent, support. Text "START" to 88788. Read up on the latest It Starts With Us movie news.

Lead image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

When I saw Mamma Mia 2 in 2018, my life was changed. I didn't grow up on the original jukebox musical, but watching Lily James and Amanda Seyfried dance around Greece was exactly the kind of escapism I needed at 19 years old. I've been waiting for Mamma Mia 3 ever since (haven't we all?!), and while we've gotten a few updates here and there (creator and producer Judy Craymer told Deadline a third movie is in "earliest stages" in May of 2023), Amanda Seyfried just answered a major question fans have: why is the threequel taking so long?

Here's what Amanda Seyfried said about Mamma Mia 3's release.

Amanda Seyfried promises "we're going to do" 'Mamma Mia 3.'

Amanda Seyfried was asked about a Mamma Mia 3 ahead of the premiere for Long Bright River, which she stars in and executive produces.

"Show me the money!" she jokingly tells The Hollywood Reporter, before adding, "Producer Judy Craymer is always working on it, but Universal still has to release Wicked2. The first Wicked had to stall when Mamma Mia! 2 was getting made."

"It’s an either/or situation with musicals. And I have this theory that Universal just knows we’re going to do it, so they’re not in any rush," she continues. "And it’s just going to cost double."

Hearing Amanda Seyfried say they're definitely making the movie is exactly what I needed to hear this week!

And Meryl Streep wants to return as Donna!

Since Wicked: For Good is coming out later this year (and Universal has no other musicals in the pipeline) that means Mamma Mia 3 could finally be on its way! If they filmed over the summer of 2026 and completed post-production in the winter, we could see the third movie as early as the spring of 2027.

Amanda Seyfried told ET that “it’s happening" and jokes that “it’s going to happen in Greece, hopefully before 2038."

"Ideally [filming] would be in summer 2026," she continues. "That’s just my schedule. Everybody has to put their lives on hold.” And see, that's exactly what I said.

"I don't want to over-egg it," Judy Craymer told Deadline, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

And what does Meryl Streep think of the possible return to Donna Sheridan? "Of course I want to do it," she said. Let's get the band back together!

If you need me, I'll be singing ABBA's "Dancing Queen" all day. Read up on The ‘Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again’ Cast Reveals Who Was the Real Diva on Set for more insight into these iconic musicals.

I didn't know I was doom scrolling on social media until I had a nightmare I was being chased by oddly-shaped thought bubbles filled with conflicting ideology. It was enough to make me set screen limits for myself, but I wondered if other people were still struggling with the same thing I'd been doing.

According toDr. Dr. Mikki Lee, Psy.D.,Manhattan-based psychologist at Clarity Therapy NYC, she works "with many people with ADHD who struggle specifically with doom scrolling." If you're doom scrolling, it doesn't necessarily mean you're neurodivergent, but she's seen this phenomenon enough to know it's not another trendy word that'll come and go.

So Here's what these professionals know about doom scrolling — and how they wanna help you stop doing it!

Scroll to learn what doom scrolling is, how to recognize it, and steps to take to curb your new habit!

What does "doom scrolling" mean?

Monstera Production/Pexels

"Doom scrolling" is exactly what it sounds like — an incessant amount of staring at social media feeds. From Dr. Lee's perspective, it's "when we continuously and compulsively scroll through negative news or distressing content on social media or news sites." The worst part is that she says "we often continue to do so even when it makes us feel progressively worse over time!" It's almost like we're in a toxic relationship with it 👀.

Also, the news is much more accessible than it used to be. I vividly remember my grandmother being glued to the morning and evening reports growing up, but now we don't have to look far for a breakdown of what's going on. Because of this, Dr. Lee believes "breaking ourselves out of this cycle is especially difficult because much of the news today is presented in a way that keeps us 'hooked.'" How?

Why are more people talking about it?

MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

Based on her observations, Dr. Lee feels "social media algorithms often prioritize content that is engaging and gets reactions (often fear-based)." If you've ever used the word "rage-bait" in a conversation then you're already familiar with what she means. As a result, this "makes it easy to get stuck in a loop of distressing information," according to her. "In fact, with world issues such as climate concerns and political polarization, there seems to be an endless stream of negative news," she adds.

As much as I haven't wanted to talk about them, it's hard to escape concerns and opinions related to topics such as politics, reproductive health, or celebrity PR disasters. They have a way of showing up in conversations because almost everyone I know has access to a smart phone, where news is readily available at our fingertips.

What are negative side effects of being on social media or news sites 24/7?

Antoni Shkraba/Pexels

If you've been feeling on edge or skittish lately, Dr. Lee wants you to know there's a connection between them and doom scrolling. "There are plenty of negative consequences of doom-scrolling. It can increase our feelings of stress and anxiety, lead to feelings of depression and hopelessness, disturb our sleep (if doom-scrolling late at night), and eat up our time during the day when we’re trying to be productive and engage in positive life activities," she says.

However, some good has come out of an increased awareness about doom scrolling. According to Dr. Lee, "we are becoming more aware of the effects of screen time, especially doom scrolling, our our mental health." I didn't know it at the time, but going into my phone settings to create boundaries for myself was the right thing to do!

How can I curb this habit?

Blue Bird/Pexels

If you're ready to stop being so attached to your phone, Dr. Lee has a few tips to help you make this necessary change.

  1. Create screen limits: "Set time limits on how much news you consume. I like to keep it around 30 minutes a day of news exposure."
  2. Review your notifications: "Remove news notifications from your phone to remove the constant barrage of 'breaking news' so that YOU can decide when to check in."
  3. Try listening to a podcast: "Subscribe to a news podcast such as The Daily or NPR News Now. Podcasts automatically have a time limit and often discuss the most pressing news of the day. PLUS, you can listen while doing something stress-relieving, such as working out."

How can I tell if I'm doom scrolling or casually looking at social media?

Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

It can be confusing when you're not sure if you're casually scrolling on social media, or succumbing to doom and gloom. But Dr. Lee doesn't want you to stress yourself out even further! Here's how she says you can tell which one you're doing:

  1. Stay curious: "Pay attention to your mood during and after scrolling. Are you feeling anxious, drained, or exhausted? Do you keep scrolling bad news and struggle to stop even though it makes you feel progressively worse? These are signs that you are doom-scrolling."
  2. Pay attention to content you're consuming: "On the other hand, if you are engaging with a variety of content (not just bad news) that makes you feel informed, entertained, or inspired, you are likely just casually scrolling. Casually scrolling often feels easier to stop than doom-scrolling."

You don't have to stop using your favorite social media apps, but it does help to limit how often you're online. If it's been more than two hours since you've gotten up to eat, use the bathroom, or work, you need to break up with doom scrolling ASAP.

Visit the rest of our site for even more self-care tips!

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.