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Hollywood is in an uproar as Blake Lively’s shocking inclusion in Time Magazine’s 2025 Most Influential People list has ignited fierce backlash. Critics are accusing the actress of manipulating public relations and engaging in performative activism to secure her spot on the prestigious lineup, which includes icons like Serena Williams and Mark Zuckerberg. Lively’s reputation is under fire, with many calling her presence on the list not just absurd but an outright insult to genuine change-makers.
The controversy traces back to Lively’s 2012 wedding at the Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina, a site notorious for its history of slavery. Although she and husband Ryan Reynolds later donated up to $2 million to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund amid public outcry, many see this as a desperate PR move rather than a sincere act of philanthropy. Critics have pointed out that this donation, made years after the backlash, appears to be an attempt to buy redemption rather than advocate for real change.
Adding fuel to the fire, the civil rights attorney who penned Lively’s tribute, Cherylyn Eiffel, admitted she had never even watched “Gossip Girl.” This revelation has led many to question the integrity of the selection process used by Time Magazine, with accusations of a pay-for-play system circulating online. As public outrage grows, social media has erupted with memes and comments comparing Lively’s controversial history to notorious figures such as Hitler and Stalin, further solidifying her status as a symbol of Hollywood privilege.
The backlash is palpable, and Lively’s attempts at rebranding herself as a humanitarian are being met with skepticism and ridicule. Critics are demanding transparency regarding the actual impact of her donations, with many suspecting it served more to bolster her image than to support marginalized communities. As this PR nightmare unfolds, Hollywood is watching closely—this scandal is far from over, and the consequences for Lively could be monumental. The message is clear: accountability is coming, and the public is no longer willing to accept empty gestures masquerading as activism.