Country singer Jana Kramer, a domestic violence survivor, has criticized the promotion of Blake Lively's "It Ends With Us" for downplaying the prevalence and impact of domestic violence, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support.
Country music star Jana Kramer, who has openly shared her experiences as a domestic violence survivor, has voiced her concerns over the promotion of Blake Lively's latest film, "It Ends With Us." Kramer argues that the film's publicity has prioritized sensationalism and interpersonal drama over the crucial message of combating domestic violence.
During an episode of her podcast, "Whine Down," Kramer expressed her disappointment with the promotional tactics surrounding the film, which she believes have trivialized the issue of domestic violence. "I would love the messaging to go to [domestic violence] with media, instead of talking about riffs and everything else. The movie is about domestic violence," she emphasized.
Jana Kramer Criticizes Blake Lively's "It Ends With Us" Promotion for Its Lack of Focus on Domestic Violence
Kramer's critique stems from her belief that the film's promotion has focused primarily on alleged drama between Lively and her co-star, Justin Baldoni, rather than raising awareness about the devastating consequences of domestic violence. She believes this emphasis detracts from the film's potential to serve as a catalyst for positive change.
"I hadn't seen the movie due to the inclusion of domestic violence, but I thought the film was a 'rom-com, bring your girls to the movie' type of situation," Kramer said, referring to the promotional materials that presented the film as a lighthearted romantic drama.
Jana Kramer Criticizes Blake Lively's "It Ends With Us" Promotion for Its Lack of Focus on Domestic Violence
Kramer also took issue with Lively's comment in an interview with the BBC ahead of the film's premiere, when the actress stated that domestic violence does not "define" her character, Lily. Kramer believes that this statement minimizes the profound impact of domestic violence on survivors.
"It’s hard for people to talk about domestic violence when they haven’t, themselves, been, in real life, had the hands of domestic violence on them," Kramer said. "So, for people to say it doesn’t define you, it does define you… It has made me who I am. And though people can say, ‘It doesn’t define you,’ it is one of the biggest pieces of me, is domestic violence, and has been the biggest thread in my life."
Jana Kramer Criticizes Blake Lively's "It Ends With Us" Promotion for Its Lack of Focus on Domestic Violence
Kramer's personal experiences with domestic violence have shaped her perspective on the importance of raising awareness and providing support to survivors. She experienced physical and emotional abuse in her first marriage, and she has since dedicated herself to advocating for victims of domestic violence.
"I had my head bashed into bathroom mirrors countless times and was choked and shoved on a weekly basis. Almost every morning around 3 o’clock, he would throw me out of bed after coming home from a rager at a club," Kramer wrote in her book, "The Next Chapter."
Jana Kramer Criticizes Blake Lively's "It Ends With Us" Promotion for Its Lack of Focus on Domestic Violence
Kramer's experiences have led her to believe that domestic violence is a defining aspect of her life, despite efforts to downplay its impact. "So, for people to say it doesn’t define you, it does define you… It has made me who I am. And though people can say, ‘It doesn’t define you,’ it is one of the biggest pieces of me, is domestic violence, and has been the biggest thread in my life."
Kramer's criticism of "It Ends With Us" highlights the ongoing need for society to prioritize the eradication of domestic violence and to provide support and resources for survivors. She believes that media platforms have a responsibility to use their influence to raise awareness and encourage empathy towards victims.
Jana Kramer Criticizes Blake Lively's "It Ends With Us" Promotion for Its Lack of Focus on Domestic Violence
"I would love the messaging to go to domestic violence with media, instead of talking about riffs and everything else. The movie is about domestic violence," Kramer said. "It's a serious topic, and it's one that we need to be talking about more."
