Additional Coverage:
- The alleged online smear campaign against Blake Lively is a reminder of how eager society is to ‘hate on women’ (newsbreak.com)
Blake Lively’s Smear Campaign Exposes Tactics Used Against Women
Blake Lively was targeted by a coordinated online smear campaign orchestrated by a crisis PR firm hired by her co-star, Justin Baldoni. The actress, who accused Baldoni and his film studio CEO of misconduct, faced intense scrutiny on social media, leading to a sharp decline in sales for her new brand.
The campaign highlights the insidious tactics used against women, particularly victims of abuse. Crisis PR firms are now deploying these tactics to silence and discredit them. Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for these campaigns, which often target women who are not seen as “perfect victims.”
Despite Lively’s prominence, the campaign nearly destroyed her reputation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of consuming social media content without skepticism. These platforms can be exploited to fuel an age-old desire to see powerful women fall.
The episode also highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of victims of abuse. Just because someone has a certain status or wealth does not mean they are immune to being targeted by these malicious campaigns. It is crucial to approach social media content with a critical eye and to remember that it can be used as a weapon to silence and discredit women.