Summary
- Middleton faced backlash for photoshopping, with Lively joining in; many felt it was in poor taste.
- Lively later apologized, admitting her mistake in ridiculing Middleton’s situation on social media.
- Despite criticism, some fans praised Lively for owning up to her actions, showing accountability.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have been the subject of intense scrutiny since Middleton hasn't been seen in public after she had surgery. The Princess of Wales released a photograph for U.K.'s Mother's Day, hoping conspiracy theories would die down, but many noticed edits within the picture.
Middleton was then mocked by the public, including several celebrities, for photoshopping the photo. Blake Lively posted her own photoshopped image as a joke on social media.
Some felt Blake Lively's post was in poor taste. After Kate Middleton made the heartbreaking announcement that she had been diagnosed with cancer, the actor apologized in another online post. She apologized, admitting she was "mortified." Although some have continued to criticize Lively for poking fun at Middleton, others have applauded the star for calling herself out.
Blake Lively's Instagram Post Mocked Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton's 2024 Mother's Day photo backfired amid reports it was photoshopped. As rumors persisted, the Princess of Wales admitted she had made edits to the picture. Many, including celebrities like Blake Lively, teased Princess Kate for the photoshop fail. Talk show hosts also joined in, including Stephen Colbert, who fueled rumors that Prince William was having an affair (Colbert has since apologized).
Lively posted a heavily altered pic filled with errors on social media. The Green Lantern actor's obviously photoshopped image promoted her beverage brand, on Betty Buzz and Betty Booze. In the photo, which seemed to refer to Middleton's own photoshopped pic, lemons and cans are scattered throughout in random spots. Lively's furniture is warped and doesn't fit, and the star also edited herself, with two different hands, and her head attached to a different body.
Although Lively didn't specifically name anyone, many felt she had mocked Kate Middleton with her post. Along with the altered photo, she added, "I'm so excited to share this new photo I just took today to announce our 4 new @bettybuzz & @bettybooze products!" She wrote in the caption, "Now you know why I've been MIA," per Today.
Fans who saw Lively's post were divided in their opinions about Lively teasing Middleton. Some were upset with the actor for making light of the situation, pointing out Middleton had recently had surgery. "Nothing like kicking another woman when she's down," one user wrote. Another fan commented, "Oh bullying another woman!!! Especially a mother who is recovering from a major surgery."
Others didn't seem to mind her post, with some getting laughs from it. At the time, many fans and celebrities were discussing Princess Kate's photoshopped picture, speculating about where she was, and there were multiple comments which mocked Middleton. "Those are some Kate Middleton skills in that first photo," wrote one fan. Another added, "More proof Blake & Ryan are America's Queen & King!!" per Today.
Facing backlash for the photo, Kate Middleton attempted to downplay the incident and released a statement attempting to explain what went wrong. "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing."
Blake Lively Apologized Soon After Middleton Made A Heartbreaking Announcement
Since Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery, she has rarely been seen in public. Many speculated what might be going on, with some even theorizing Prince William had cheated, or Princess Kate had passed away. The public was shocked and saddened when she went public with the news that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
While making a statement she wrote herself, the Princess of Wales said "William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family." She added, "We hope you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment," per People. Prince William and Middleton retreated from the spotlight again following her announcement.
Soon after Middleton's heartbreaking announcement, The A Simple Plan actor deleted the post in which she ridiculed Middleton's photo, and expressed regret in a post on Instagram describing herself as "mortified".
"I'm sure no one cares today, but I feel like I have to acknowledge this. I made a silly post around the 'Photoshop fails' frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I'm sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always," Lively wrote, per Today.
Blake Lively Was Applauded For Calling Herself Out
After Kate Middleton went public with her cancer diagnosis, Blake Lively apologized to her with a post on Instagram for ridiculing her, without specifically naming anyone. However, many believe she was referring to the Princess of Wales. Several fans applauded the Gossip Girl actor calling out her actions.
On Reddit, one user commented, "I mean, at least she took accountability and apologized." Another fan who got over 5,000 upvotes with their post, remarked that several people mocked Princess Kate, and could "respect" Lively for her apology. "Honestly, I respect this. A ton of people, celebs and non-celebs were making jokes about the whole thing so I don't really fault any individual who jumped on board (although it says a lot about society as a whole) but I respect that she immediately owned up to it."
One fan added, "I admire that she could have easily ignored it but instead chose to actively own up. I wish we saw more of this tbh." Another user applauded Lively's apology, "@blakelively You are a class act." One commented, "Good on Blake. Fr. She's real for doing this." "Honestly, good for her! That's not easy to do!"
