Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds branded ‘tone deaf’ as they’re slammed for ‘working class’ comments
Ryan Reynolds has sparked controversy after claiming both he and his wife Blake Lively grew up “very working class” whilst discussing their children’s upbringing.
The Deadpool star, 48, made the contentious remarks during a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter about raising the couple’s four children away from the spotlight.
“We both grew up very working class,” Reynolds said. “I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout’.”
The comments have triggered widespread criticism, particularly regarding Lively’s privileged Hollywood background.
Blake Lively, 37, grew up far from working-class roots as the daughter of Hollywood couple Ernie and Elaine Lively, who both enjoyed successful careers in show business.
In a 2006 interview, Lively revealed she “grew up on sets” thanks to her mother’s work as a talent manager and her family’s involvement in the entertainment industry.
Her father Ernie, who passed away in 2015, had an acting career spanning over 50 years with 114 projects, including roles in Turner & Hooch and American Pie 2.
The It Ends With Us star’s breakout role came in The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, where her real-life father played her on-screen dad.
Both her siblings, Eric and Robyn Lively, also followed their parents’ footsteps into acting careers.
Social media users have been quick to criticise Reynolds’ characterisation of their upbringing.
“You keep using that word, ‘working class.’ I do not think it means what you think it means,” one user wrote on social media.
Another critic pointed out: “Quick search: She grew up in Tarzana and then went to Burbank High. Her whole family was in the entertainment business. She was cast in Sisterhood for the Traveling Pants while she was a teen. It’s giving at least middle class.”
“Stop trying to make Relatable Blake happen, it’s NOT going to happen,” commented another user.
“Just because her parents worked doesn’t make them working class. So tone deaf honestly!” added one critic sarcastically.
While Reynolds’ own background appears more modest – his late father James worked as a police officer before becoming a food broker in Vancouver – Lively’s upbringing was distinctly privileged.
The couple’s current lifestyle is far removed from working class, with a combined net worth of £380 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Both actors have successful drinks companies that continue to generate income beyond their screen work.
In a 2020 interview with Marie Claire, Lively herself had previously discussed their upbringing, stating: “Ryan had a nice, normal upbringing, and we want our kids to have the same normal life that we had.”