Blake Lively has recently been criticized for using a transgender slur in multiple resurfaced interviews. In a 2012 interview with Elle magazine, she made a questionable remark about her future children, stating that if she didn’t have girls, they better be “trannies” to appreciate her shoes, bags, and stories. This drew backlash from fans and members of the transgender community, with many deeming the term defamatory. Despite this, some fans came to Lively’s defense, stating that the word was commonly used in the past and acknowledging that she may not have articulated herself well.
This is not the first time Lively has used the term “tranny” in interviews. In a 2009 interview with Allure, she discussed her insecurities on the set of “Gossip Girl,” stating that she felt like a “tranny” due to her size and the way she was perceived in comparison to others. Additionally, in a 2008 interview with Nylon alongside Leighton Meester, Lively dismissed rumors of a feud between the two co-stars by referencing being called “men and trannies” in gossip magazines. Lively’s representatives did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment on the resurfaced interviews.
These instances of using the transgender slur have resurfaced amid ongoing backlash towards Lively. Criticism has been directed at her promotion of her recent movie “It Ends With Us,” with some fans accusing her of prioritizing her floral fashion and new haircare line, Blake Brown Beauty, over the film’s domestic violence themes. Lively has also been called out for allegedly displaying behavior reminiscent of the character Regina George from “Mean Girls,” including refusing to wear a fan’s gifted bracelet on the red carpet and giving an interview in 2016 that reportedly upset a reporter to the point of wanting to quit her job.
The backlash towards Lively has been further fueled by her alleged feud with co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Despite this, some fans have expressed understanding and grace towards Lively’s use of the transgender slur, attributing it to language that was more commonly used in the past and suggesting that she could have phrased her statements differently. While there has been a divided response to the resurfaced interviews, it is evident that Lively’s use of the term “tranny” has triggered a sensitive topic about the importance of appropriate language and sensitivity towards the transgender community.
Overall, the resurfacing of Blake Lively’s past interviews and her use of a transgender slur has reignited discussions about cultural sensitivity and language use. As public figures, celebrities like Lively are constantly under scrutiny for their words and actions, and it is essential for them to be mindful of the impact their statements can have on marginalized communities. Moving forward, it is crucial for individuals in the public eye to educate themselves on the importance of using inclusive language and understanding the significance of words that have historically been used to discriminate against marginalized communities.
