Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick found themselves at the center of an uncomfortable interaction during a recent London photocall for Another Simple Favor.
The event, held at the Corinthia Hotel, was meant to celebrate their upcoming film, but the air was thick with tension.
This wasn’t the only awkward moment in a series of difficult press interviews leading up to the film’s release on Prime Video on May 1.
Fashion Statements and Press Coverage
Blake, 37, looked chic in a black cardigan with gold trim, paired with dark tights and knee-high black boots.
She completed the ensemble with a black and gold Chanel handbag and several pieces of gold jewelry, her long blonde hair flowing freely.
Meanwhile, Anna, 39, opted for a bold red vest with gold buttons, a matching mini skirt, and glittering gold heels.
Despite their glamorous looks, the underlying tension between the two was palpable.
Joining the duo were co-stars Paul Feig, Laura Fischer, and Henry Golding, as they posed for photos with the London Eye in the background.
However, the event was overshadowed by rumors of conflict between Blake and Anna, especially following the A Simple Favor sequel’s premiere at South By Southwest.
The premiere, which was marred by protests and awkward reunions, set the stage for speculation about their relationship.
Rumors of a Rift
Tension between the two stars has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, especially after an incident at the South By Southwest festival.
Blake’s Instagram post following the event, where she compared the experience to a “rock concert,” seemed to downplay any underlying issues.
However, fans quickly picked up on rumors about their strained dynamic. Some critics even suggested that Blake might have staged crowd interactions, further fueling the fire.
Blake, in particular, faced some backlash, including accusations that she had orchestrated a fake crowd scene at the premiere.
Critics pointed out that Laurie Feig, wife of director Paul Feig, appeared to be pretending to be a fan in the crowd for a selfie, which raised eyebrows and sparked debates online.
Awkward Red Carpet Moments
Things didn’t improve when the stars were interviewed about their time working together.
When asked how it felt to reunite with Blake, Anna’s response was cryptic and terse: “Oh, you know…” Blake, on the other hand, seemed more eager to reminisce about the film’s shooting in Capri, Italy.
Yet, their body language suggested a disconnect, with Anna often looking down or away while Blake spoke enthusiastically.
Their interactions have left fans wondering if the strained atmosphere is more than just professional.
Insiders have hinted at a “secret feud,” particularly after reports surfaced suggesting that Anna felt overshadowed by Blake’s ongoing legal issues.
As the promotional tour continues, it’s clear that their working relationship is complicated.
Legal Drama and Its Impact on Their Relationship
Adding to the tension between Blake and Anna are the ongoing legal battles surrounding It Ends With Us.
Blake is embroiled in a defamation lawsuit filed by her co-star Justin Baldoni, which has become a significant point of contention.
The legal fight has raised concerns about the impact on the film’s promotion, with insiders revealing that Anna may be trying to distance herself from Blake in order to avoid being caught up in the drama.
In addition to legal troubles, the two actresses have reportedly had disagreements over billing for the sequel.
Anna, who had top billing in the original film, expected the same in the follow-up, but Blake fought to secure a higher position.
After weeks of negotiations, they reportedly reached a compromise that gave them “equal billing.”
While this may have resolved the issue on paper, the underlying tension remains.
The Battle Continues
As if the professional strain wasn’t enough, Blake’s legal battles with Justin Baldoni have further complicated matters.
She has accused him of sexual harassment and is fighting to have his defamation lawsuit thrown out.
In response, Justin has filed a countersuit, claiming that Blake’s accusations are damaging to his reputation.
As the case unfolds, Blake’s legal team has lashed out at Justin for attempting to dismantle California’s laws protecting sexual harassment victims, accusing him of using “scorched earth litigation” tactics.
Despite the legal war, Blake has maintained her stance, expressing that she is determined to support other victims and not stay silent.
However, some sources close to her have suggested that Blake is privately regretting the ongoing legal battle, especially as the drama continues to overshadow her professional life.
Moving Forward
It’s clear that both Blake and Anna have a long road ahead of them, both personally and professionally.
As their promotional activities for Another Simple Favor continue, fans and insiders alike are watching closely to see how the relationship between the two unfolds.
While their shared work on the film may continue to bond them professionally, the lingering legal issues and public tension will likely remain a point of focus.
What happens next could redefine both their careers and their relationship.