Director Paul Feig has come to the defense of Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick following claims
that the two actresses appeared uncomfortable at the premiere of Another Simple Favor at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival.
The allegations, initially made by YouTuber Melanie King, suggested that Lively seemed “terrified” and Kendrick looked “pissed” during the event.
King also claimed that Kendrick allegedly “never wants to work with [Lively] again,” which quickly sparked a response from Feig.
In a direct reply on social media, Feig dismissed King’s claims, stating, “Um … you’re wrong.”
The director’s defense comes after a series of remarks made about the dynamic between the two actresses during their appearance at the premiere in Austin, Texas.
Both Lively and Kendrick have since spoken out positively about their on-screen reunion, and Feig’s response has put the rumors to rest, reaffirming their close working relationship.
The Allegations at SXSW
The controversy began when Melanie King posted a video on her social media accounts, suggesting that Lively and Kendrick appeared uncomfortable during their joint appearance at SXSW. She described Lively as looking “terrified,” and Kendrick as appearing “pissed” while attending the premiere. King also hinted at tensions between the two actresses, alleging that Kendrick was unhappy about working with Lively again.
These claims raised eyebrows, especially given the long history between Lively and Kendrick, who first starred together in the 2018 hit film A Simple Favor. Their collaboration was widely praised, and fans have been eagerly anticipating their reunion in the sequel. However, King’s accusations threatened to overshadow the excitement surrounding the new film.
The Reality of the Premiere
Despite the claims made by King, the premiere event seemed to paint a much different picture. Both Lively and Kendrick participated enthusiastically in interviews and posed together for photos on the red carpet alongside Feig. Lively, who stunned in a strapless Renée Masoomian latex dress, and Kendrick, who wore a black LaQuan Smith pantsuit, both appeared in high spirits throughout the evening.
When asked about working with Kendrick again, Lively shared a heartfelt response, calling it “the best” and expressing her joy at being reunited with her co-star. Kendrick echoed similar sentiments, stating that it was a pleasure to collaborate with Lively once more. These positive comments stood in stark contrast to the negative rumors circulating online.
An eyewitness at the event confirmed that while the actresses sat separately during the film screening, they stood together for a Q&A session afterward, further dispelling the notion of any tension. The source also noted that Lively doubled down on her appreciation for Kendrick, describing their collaboration as “amazing.” This seemed to confirm that their professional relationship remained strong and cordial.
Background on the Premiere and Lawsuit
The Another Simple Favor premiere comes on the heels of a legal battle Lively is currently embroiled in. Two months prior to the premiere, Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, director of It Ends with Us. In her lawsuit, Lively accused Baldoni of launching a smear campaign against her. Baldoni, in turn, denied the allegations and filed a defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist.
The ongoing legal dispute has added further complexity to Lively’s public image. Nevertheless, she has continued to focus on her career, including her return to the Simple Favor franchise. Kendrick has also maintained a low profile regarding the lawsuit, with both actresses seeming determined to not let external controversies affect their professional endeavors.
Feig’s Response and Moving Forward
Feig’s swift response to the allegations highlights his support for both Lively and Kendrick. His comments not only shut down the rumors of any rift between the two actresses but also reinforced their bond and shared commitment to the film. It appears that despite what some might say on social media, both actresses are deeply committed to each other’s success and have no issues working together again.
As the Another Simple Favor sequel continues to generate buzz ahead of its release, it seems clear that the collaboration between Lively and Kendrick remains strong. With Feig standing firmly behind his stars and the actresses continuing to speak positively about their reunion, it seems that any claims of tension were nothing more than unfounded speculation.
The film’s premiere was ultimately a celebration of the success of the first movie and the excitement surrounding its follow-up. Fans are eager to see what Lively and Kendrick bring to the screen once again, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics, as evidenced by their interactions at SXSW, suggest that the two actresses remain as close as ever.
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