'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQH/8QAIRAAAgIBAgcAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDEQAEBQYUISIxQfD/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP/EABgRAQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMR/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDKdBxDuUEUkw02mPMJIqFr7WUC6F1VN7HmuuTSb2iOysWBUkEfDGMPlE0vpqrpA3//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The story of David and Goliath comes from the Bible's Old Testament, specifically from 1 Samuel 17 where the young shepherd David defeats the Philistine giant Goliath with just a sling and a stone.
The Hollywood Reporter took to X on February 21 with cover art featuring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as biblical characters, David and Goliath. The illustration read: "Blake vs. Baldoni, An exclusive look behind the battle lines of Hollywood's uncivil war." As per the caption, the illustration was designed by The Sporting Press.
In the artwork, Blake is portrayed as the shepherd David, slinging a cell phone at Baldoni instead of a stone. On the other hand, Baldoni depicts the Philistine giant, Goliath, who can be seen clutching a copy of the book behind their movie, It Ends With Us. After the cover went viral, Blake Lively's spokesperson told Daily Mail in a statement saying,
"The framing in this picture is outrageously insulting as it plays into every sexist trope about women who dare file a workplace complaint, turning them into the aggressor, and suggesting they deserve the retaliation that comes their way.'
The statement also mentioned,
"In addition, the story is extremely offensive as it incredibly seems to explain away documented examples of s**ual harassment and retaliation by calling them "cultural misunderstandings."
In the background of the full landscape version, which was posted on The Hollywood Reporter's website, Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds can be seen on the left side of Lively, dressed as Nicepool, a variant of Deadpool, whom Baldoni accused Reynolds of creating to "bully" him. On Baldoni's right, his lawyer, Bryan Freedman, is seen standing with his hands on his hips.
Update on the current scenario of Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case
As per recent reports dated February 21, Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, are seeking additional protections amid their legal battle with Justin Baldoni. The protective order, along with a letter to the presiding judge, Lewis Liman, notes that Lively, her family, It Ends with Us co-stars and witnesses
"have received violent, profane, sexist, and threatening communications."
The order applies to the couple, Baldoni, their lawyers, and third parties involved in the lawsuit, with some information labeled confidential or for "Attorneys' Eyes Only."
Trending
Lively and Reynolds' request for a protection order comes after Baldoni launched a website where he published previously unseen texts between the director and the couple, along with his team releasing a 10-minute behind-the-scenes clip of a slow-dancing scene featuring the actors.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
