Blake Lively is under fire after a 2014 interview resurfaced on TikTok, where she made jokes about pregnant women “lying” about their symptoms and cravings. The clip, originally from an interview with Extra reporter AJ Calloway, has sparked outrage among fans who are now calling the actress “pampered.” The backlash comes at a time when Lively is already facing scrutiny, as her pregnancy joke falls flat with fans amid a rumored feud with a co-star.
In the interview, Calloway, whose wife was seven months pregnant at the time, asked Lively about her own pregnancy experience, mentioning the “feet rubbing” that often accompanies it. Pregnant with her first child at the time, Lively responded jokingly, suggesting that the reporter’s wife might be “taking advantage” of him with her pregnancy symptoms.
However, many TikTok users criticized Lively’s comments, pointing out that her privileged lifestyle likely made her pregnancy easier. One person commented, “I was on my feet working until I had my son. Yes, they hurt, yes, my husband rubbed them for me. I’m guessing she lives a pampered life whether pregnant or not, so her feet probably aren’t sore.” Another added, “She does not speak for this ex-pregnant woman and my swollen feet. Also, some of us work on our feet 40+ hours and don’t have the luxury of rest throughout an entire pregnancy.”
While some defended Lively’s humor, arguing that she has a style of sarcasm and dry wit that might be misunderstood, others were not as forgiving. During the interview, Lively jokingly advised Calloway not to “fall for” pregnancy-related requests, saying, “You can exploit [pregnancy], if you want. You can’t fall for that stuff.”
Lively, who was 36 at the time, also quipped that pregnant women “just lie” to their husbands without guilt, using cravings as an excuse to get what they want, like “chocolate ice cream at midnight.” Now a mother of four, her comments have sparked fresh criticism online, told Page Six.
The backlash against Lively has intensified following the resurfacing of a 2016 interview in which a reporter, Kjersti Flaa, described the conversation as a “nightmare” that made her contemplate quitting her job as a journalist. The recent resurgence of these interviews has led to a renewed wave of scrutiny against the actress, with fans and critics alike debating her remarks and the privilege that may underlie them.