Ryan Reynolds has faced backlash over calling Blake Lively’s Hollywood background ‘working class.’
In a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds talked about how they try to give their kids a normal life away from the spotlight, explaining, “We try to give them as normal a life as possible. I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife’s childhood.”
The actor added, “We both grew up very working class, and I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout’ or whatever.”
His comments raised some eyebrows. While his dad was a policeman and his mom worked in retail, Lively had a much wealthier upbringing. She grew up in a rich area of Los Angeles with her father, Ernie Lively, an actor and director, and her mother, Elaine Lively, an actress and talent manager.
Fans have called out Reynolds for not understanding what ‘working class’ means after The Cut shared his quote on Instagram. One person commented, “Quick search: She grew up in Tarzana and then went to Burbank High. Her whole family was in the entertainment business.”
They continued, “She was cast in Sisterhood for the Traveling Pants while she was a teen. It’s giving at least middle class. Anyway none of that matters bc she’s rich and insufferable now. Bye.”
Another one noted, “You keep using that word, ‘working class.’ I do not think it means what you think it means.'” One other commenter said, “Stop trying to make Relatable Blake happen, it’s NOT going to happen.”
Others compared it to the viral moment in David and Victoria Beckham’s Netflix series. In the show, Victoria claimed she was from a working-class family, but David quickly corrected her. He made her admit her dad drove her to school in a Rolls Royce.
“Honey her sister was already an actress, and ya’ll got married on a plantation. This is giving Posh Spice in the David Beckham documentary. ‘Tell the truth’ lol,” one person wrote. “Be honest (david beckham voice),” said another.
Lively faced criticism after her movie ‘It Ends With Us’ came out. Rumors claimed she had issues with co-star Justin Baldoni. She was also accused of downplaying domestic violence while promoting the film about abuse. People also called her out for past ‘mean girl’ behavior and using a slur in old interviews.
