Wrapping up the week with the latest, hottest celebrity tea
“It Ends With Us” PR Catastrophe: When Will It End?
The legal battle between “It Ends With Us” costars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, has been a trending topic of controversy over the past month. As the back and forth between the two stars continue with aimless updates flooding our timelines, the drama between the actors seems to be bringing in more traction than the movie itself-which focuses on a young woman escaping domestic violence.
Blake Lively initially filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, 2024. In the complaint, she said she experienced “severe emotional distress” after Baldoni, who is also the director and executive producer of the film, and other members of the film team sexually harassed her. She also said that Baldoni and members of his production company tried to conduct a “smear campaign” against her. The complaint also had alleged text messages plotting to ruin Lively’s public reputation-including one from Baldoni saying he “wants to feel like [Lively] can be buried.”
Baldoni and his production company’s attorney refuted the claims as false and on December 31, he filed a lawsuit against the New York Times for “libel and false light invasion of privacy.” This was after the Times published Lively’s complaint. According to ABC, Baldoni and his co-plantiffs want $250 million in damages. Lively also filed an official lawsuit against Baldoni and his team on December 31.
What’s the tea?
Since this scandal, both actors have been portrayed in a pretty negative light. Baldoni seems like a rude, misogynistic egomaniac who allegedly attacked Lively’s physical appearance (including her weight) and reputation while directing and co-starring in a film with her. Some fans are also less than impressed by Lively’s behavior during the media tour for the film. She has been accused of not taking the themes of domestic violence seriously. She was also accused of focusing too much on the look and aesthetic of her character.
Writer Elanor Hawkins notes this scandal in her Axios article, “The PR astroturfing strategy explained.” She highlights a dangerous PR strategy called astrosurfing, which relies on negative media to gain attention. Astrosurfing is defined as “disguising an orchestrated campaign as a spontaneous upwelling of public opinion.” So, while Lively, Baldoni and the film’s mentions in the media have skyrocketed, everyone’s reputation has taken a hit.
A Spiderman Love Story: Tom Holland and Zendaya Are Engaged
When America’s sweetheart Zendaya showed up to the Golden Globes with a giant rock on her finger, it didn’t take long for rumors to circulate of a possible engagement to boyfriend, Tom Holland. As Zendaya, 28, has shown off the 5 carat ring on multiple occasions now throughout the week, Holland’s father confirmed the rumors. He shared in a Patreon post on Friday that his eldest son was “very incredibly well prepared.”
“He had purchased a ring,” The Spider Man actor’s father, Dominic Holland wrote. “He had spoken with her father and gained permission to propose to his daughter. Tom had everything planned out… When, where, how, what to say, what to wear…”
Tom, 28, and Zendaya have been dating since 2021. Unlike their film characters, the pair like to keep their relationship off the screen. When asked about the engagement at the Golden Globes, Zendaya responded with a low key shrug and charming smirk. The duo have yet to share anything about their union, but the world is definitely looking forward to all the details.
Rihanna Debuts Fenty Valentines Day Campaign with America’s Hottest Couple
The Savage x Fenty billionaire always goes big when it’s time for the season of love, and this year she spared no expense.
Love Island Season Six winners, Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, are only getting hotter after America’s favorite lovebirds left the villa. The pair teamed up with Rihanna to showcase her Savage x Fenty “Love Your Way” Valentines campaign, which dropped on Tuesday.
The pair posed for some steamy shots with Serena in different lingerie sets and Kordell in Savage x Fenty boxers. Rihanna plays cupid this year and is photographed wearing a sexy red set with wings and a crossbow and arrow. Models for the collection are also photographed in soft pajama sets, plus size lingerie, and more.
Issa Rae Turns 40 and New Film Hits Theaters Jan. 17
Sunday, January 12, marks director and actress Issa Rae’s 40th birthday. She took to her instagram story to thank everyone for the birthday wishes.
“I don’t want any gifts,” Rae said. “But if you want to get me a gift, then you will go see Keke and SZA in ‘One of Them Days’ this weekend. Get your tickets, and honestly that’s the best birthday gift you could ever give me.”
“One of Them Days” is a comedy produced by Issa Rae and stars Keke Palmer and Grammy Award-winning singer, SZA, as best friends. This film will be SZA’s acting debut. The film is written by Syreeta Singleton, directed by Lawrence Lamont and also features Kat Williams, Janelle James and Maude Apatow. While the January 13th Hollywood premiere of the film with Sony was cancelled due to the Palisades fires, the film is set to hit theaters on January 17th.
Lemon8 versus TikTok?
As the January 19 TikTok ban looms, users are looking for the next trending app and that may be Lemon8. TikTok has been advertising the sister app on its platform lately, and many seem to be open to the transition. Lemon8 looks and works pretty similar to TikTok and is even owned by parent company, ByteDance. While the app may seem like the perfect solution to TikTok withdrawal, if the federal lawsuit is successful on the 19th, it could apply to Lemon8 as well since they are owned by the same company.
Zoe Saldana and Demi Moore Win Their First Golden Globes
Actresses Zoe Saldana and Demi Moore won their first Golden Globe Awards last Sunday. Both Hollywood powerhouses seem to finally be receiving the flowers they deserve. This was the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards.
Saldana, 46, won Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role as Rita Mora Castro in the film “Emilia Pérez.”
The film is a musical/thriller that follows cartel leader, Emilia Pérez, who undergoes gender reaffirming surgery to escape her past.
Demi Moore, 62, raked in Best Leading Actress (Musical or Comedy) for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in “The Substance.”
In her acceptance speech, the actress tells a personal story that would resonate with a lot of women in the industry who deal with feelings of inadequacy.
“When we don’t think we’re smart enough, or skinny enough, or successful enough, or basically just enough, just know: You will never be enough,” she said. “But you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick.”
