Ryan Reynolds has taken to social media to support his wife, Blake Lively, in light of recent allegations regarding her former lifestyle brand, Preserve. Following claims of a "toxic and insane" workplace environment during Preserve's operation, Reynolds promoted Lively’s new haircare brand, Blake Brown, on Instagram. This comes as Blake launches a new line of hair and body mists—Wild Nectar Santal, Bergamot Woods, and Sandalwood Vanille—available at Target, priced between $23 and $26.
Lively's foray into the world of beauty is not without its challenges. Preserve, which launched in 2014 as her answer to Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, was short-lived, collapsing after just a year. Despite this setback, Blake's latest venture seems to draw from both personal passion and public demand. In announcing the new line, she expressed a heartfelt connection to scent, stating that fragrance can transport individuals back to cherished memories and experiences. “Whether it's the smell of your mom cooking your favorite meal from childhood, or the scent of your most beloved person,” she articulated, “fragrance is emotional, distinct, it holds stories and memories.”
Amidst these professional developments, Lively’s personal life has been equally tumultuous. She is embroiled in an intense legal battle with her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, stemming from accusations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. Lively, who formally filed her lawsuit in December 2024, described her determination to highlight such challenges within the industry, advocating for those who might feel silenced. The trial is scheduled for March 2026, and both parties have levelled serious allegations against one another. Baldoni has countered Lively's claims with a $400 million defamation lawsuit, asserting that the allegations are baseless and intended to discredit him.
Reports of the lawsuit have seen significant media coverage, further complicated by Lively's public statements and reports from her legal team. Recent updates indicate that Taylor Swift has been subpoenaed as a witness, drawing attention due to her friendship with Lively and linking her only through the film’s soundtrack. Critics have labelled this subpoena a strategy to distract from the substantive issues at hand.
While juggling these tumultuous legal proceedings, Lively remains committed to her entrepreneurial ventures, which include her beverage lines, Betty Buzz and Betty Booze. She emphasises a hands-on approach, stating, “You have to be possessed by them. If you're just putting your name on something... it wouldn't feel good to me.” This passion extends to her family life, as she often reflects on the joys of motherhood. “I'm that parent who just genuinely really loves spending time with my kids,” she noted, showcasing a balance between her career and her role as a mother to four children.
The weight of these recent allegations against Baldoni has not only impacted Lively's professional life but has also resonated within the industry. Following the lawsuit's emergence, his talent agency, WME, severed ties with him, demonstrating the serious implications of Lively's claims. As support for Lively continues to grow, notable industry figures have expressed solidarity, reinforcing her reputation as a dedicated professional.
As Lively navigates through both her personal and professional challenges, her latest business venture illustrates her resilience and determination to create products that resonate with her fans. As Reynolds put it simply, the couple's commitment to supporting one another remains steadfast, amidst the complexities of their intertwined lives.
Source: Noah Wire Services