Amid growing controversy surrounding Blake Lively, the actress finds herself at the center of a significant media storm fueled by allegations of a smear campaign led by her It Ends With Us co-star, Justin Baldoni. As revealed by a recent report, Lively has accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her on set, a claim that escalated when she alleged he hired a public relations firm to damage her reputation. This situation has captured widespread attention and discussion in the media, especially after publicists noted that Baldoni's early preemptive strike in handling these allegations shifted public perception in his favor (The Daily Beast).

In a rather inappropriate timing, Netflix's recent comedy roast titled Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year aired with jokes aimed at Lively just days after her lawsuit became public. Comedian Hannah Berner notably mentioned that the term "c—t" was trending, adding, “I don’t think Blake Lively was that bad,” prompting public backlash. Following intense public discourse about the ongoing legal drama, Berner later took to her Instagram to clarify her support for Lively, stating that her earlier remarks in the special were filmed before the lawsuit details emerged. “To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake,” she emphasized in her post.

The public's reaction has largely favored Lively following the revelations regarding her lawsuit, with numerous social media users asserting that she deserves empathy and support even if she has previously faced criticism. One individual remarked, “EVERYONE owes an apology to Blake Lively for dragging her back during the It Ends With Us press tour.” These sentiments emphasize that while Lively may have a controversial past, it does not justify harassment.

Echoing these thoughts, Lively expressed her hope that her legal actions would shed light on "sinister retaliatory tactics" aimed at individuals who come forward with misconduct claims. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted," Lively told The New York Times.

As media narratives continue to shape public opinion, experts note that the dynamics of the recent allegations against Baldoni and the ensuing reaction from the public have turned the tide in Lively’s favor. The effectiveness of allegations in the public realm often relies on the timing and the manner in which the discourse is constructed. Even professional publicists acknowledge that maintaining a reputation is far more challenging than launching a smear campaign, which often only requires a few viral moments to gain traction. (The Daily Beast)

In summary, the combination of social media's swift shareability and public interest in dramatic narratives illustrates how quickly public perceptions can pivot, determining the reputations of individuals involved. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains clear that Lively’s legal battle will significantly influence her career and public image moving forward.