Ryan Reynolds, known for his quick wit and down-to-earth persona, recently found himself at the center of an online debate after comments he made about his and wife Blake Lively’s upbringing. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on December 13, Reynolds shared his thoughts on providing a “normal life” for their four children: Betty, James, Inez, and Olin. However, his claim that both he and Lively grew up “very working class” has sparked a wave of criticism and scrutiny online.
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Ryan’s Reflections on Parenthood and Upbringing
In the interview, Reynolds emphasized his desire to shield his children from the excesses of celebrity life. “I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife’s childhood,” he said. Reflecting on his working-class roots, he remarked, “We both grew up very working class.” Reynolds went on to explain how he and Lively strive to teach gratitude and empathy, recalling how certain luxuries, like takeout food, were absent in his own childhood.
The Internet Reacts to Blake Lively’s “Working Class” Claim
While Reynolds’ comments about his own upbringing seemed to align with his father’s career as a retail salesperson and his mother’s role as a police officer, the assertion that Blake Lively grew up “working class” drew widespread skepticism. Social media users were quick to highlight details of Lively’s upbringing that suggest a life far from working class.
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Blake, who grew up in Tarzana, California, attended Burbank High School, a well-regarded institution known for its celebrity alumni. Her father, Ernie Lively, was an actor and director, while her mother, Elaine Lively, worked as a talent manager. Lively’s siblings also pursued acting careers, and she was just 17 when she landed her breakout role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Evidence of Privilege Sparks Criticism
Many online commentators cited examples of Lively’s privileged upbringing, including video footage of her high school prom. In the clip, Lively is seen wearing a designer Elie Saab gown and preparing for the event in a lavish pink bedroom complete with a chandelier and en-suite bathroom.
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One Twitter user wrote, “She grew up in an affluent area of Los Angeles with her late father, Ernie Lively, an actor and director, while her mother, Elaine Lively, was an actress and talent manager.” Another quipped, “Working class upbringing and Elie Saab prom dress never go hand in hand.”
Accusations of “Relatability Cosplay”
The backlash extended beyond Lively’s background, with critics accusing Reynolds of “trying to be relatable” despite his family’s immense wealth and privilege. “Why do ridiculously wealthy people deny their privilege like this?” one commenter asked. Another wrote, “Rich people mix up having a job with being working class. ‘I’m a CEO, I’m working class!’”
The moment also drew comparisons to a now-famous scene from Netflix’s Beckham docuseries, where David Beckham humorously interrupted his wife Victoria Beckham’s claims of a “working class” upbringing. When Victoria insisted her family was working class, David asked her to “be honest” about the car her father used to drive her to school in, which turned out to be a Rolls Royce.
“Be honest (David Beckham voice),” one user joked in response to Reynolds’ comments. Another added, “Okay Victoria Beckham.”
Exploring the Definition of “Working Class”
For many critics, the controversy highlighted the disconnect between celebrity perspectives and the realities of working-class life. “I guess working class means something different to everyone these days,” one user remarked. “Does he think ‘working class’ just means that they had jobs?”
Others noted that Reynolds and Lively’s ability to provide their children with a “normal life”—despite their fame and fortune—is itself a privilege. “You can’t cosplay normal,” a commenter wrote. “Your kids will never understand what it means to be truly working class.”
Ryan and Blake’s Family Philosophy
Despite the backlash, Reynolds’ comments reflect a genuine desire to instill values of gratitude and empathy in his children. “They’re already very much in touch with gratitude and understanding the world enough to have a strong sense of empathy,” he said during the interview.
Blake Lively has previously spoken about the importance of family, often describing how her parents’ dedication to their careers influenced her work ethic. While the debate over her upbringing continues, it’s clear that both she and Reynolds prioritize providing their children with a loving and grounded environment.
Final Thoughts
The controversy surrounding Ryan Reynolds’ remarks about his and Blake Lively’s upbringing underscores the challenges celebrities face in balancing relatability with authenticity. While their efforts to shield their children from the trappings of fame are admirable, their comments reveal the complexities of discussing privilege in the public eye.
As social media continues to dissect the couple’s statements, one thing remains certain: their journey as parents navigating life in the spotlight will remain a topic of interest for fans and critics alike.
