Blake Lively’s 'It Ends With Us' drama brings 'Gossip Girl' feud with Leighton Meester back in spotlight

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The recent tension between Blake Lively and her 'It Ends with Us' co-star and director Justin Baldoni has reignited interest in past rumors of a strained relationship between Lively and her 'Gossip Girl' co-star Leighton Meester, the Daily Mail reported.

Fans are comparing Lively's current situation with Baldoni to the alleged behind-the-scenes drama with Meester during the iconic teen drama's run from 2007 to 2012.

Blake Lively and Leighton Meester's old rumored feud back in spotlight

Lively, 36, and Meester, 38, portrayed Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, respectively, on the hit CW series, which chronicled the lives of wealthy teens in New York City’s Upper East Side. Despite their on-screen friendship, rumors of tension between the actresses have persisted for years.

In a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair, Gossip Girl executive producer Joshua Safran revealed that Lively and Meester were "friendly, but they were not friends like Serena and Blair."

Safran described the actresses as having very different personalities—Lively was outgoing and present, while Meester was more reserved and introspective. This dynamic reportedly created a professional relationship that was more cordial than close.

Further reports during the show's run suggested that Lively and Meester often "avoided each other like the plague" on set, leading other cast members to "choose sides."

Lively’s publicist later commented that the two never claimed to be best friends and maintained a professional relationship on set.

Internet slams Blake Lively as they recall her feud with Leighton Meester

With Blake Lively’s current drama with Justin Baldoni making headlines, social media users have been quick to revisit her alleged tensions with 'Gossip Girl' co-star Leighton Meester.

Some have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express newfound sympathy for Meester, with one user saying, "I’m seeing a lot of Blake Lively slander on the timeline. This is a great moment for me, a longtime Leighton Meester / Blair Waldorf supremacist."

Another user asked, "I swear we all knew Blake Lively was a complete b***h from way back in the Gossip Girl days? Why are we all suddenly shocked now? Hashtag team Leighton Meester xoxo."

One person questioned, "Why does that insufferable blonde twit Blake Lively have the career that Leighton Meester should have?"

"Leighton Meester always should have been the breakout star. The only respect I put on Blake Lively’s name is dumping Leonardo DiCaprio," another added.

"Watching all the Blake Lively drama while promoting “It ends With Us” makes me feel like we all owe Leighton Meester an apology…" another user said.

One individual suggested that Meester, who has maintained a steady career since 'Gossip Girl' ended, deserves more recognition than Lively by stating, "As a pretty big fan of Leighton Meester, nothing is more satisfying than watching the in real time downfall of Blake Lively."

Some fans are rooting for Meester to receive the recognition they feel she deserves. One X user passionately pointed out, "Leighton Meester is a far better actress with significantly better comedic skills and timing than Blake Lively, and she should be the more famous one."

Meester, who has been married to actor Adam Brody for over a decade and is a mother of two, has continued to work in both TV and film. Meanwhile, Lively, married to actor Ryan Reynolds, remains in the spotlight with major projects like 'It Ends With Us' and a cameo in Reynolds’ 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.

Reporter recalls ‘uncomfortable’ interview with Blake Lively

Kersti Flaa, a journalist with a decade of experience, recently opened up about an "uncomfortable" interview with actress Blake Lively in 2016 that left her questioning her career in journalism. The interview during the press tour for Woody Allen's film 'Cafe Society' featured Lively alongside her co-star Parker Posey and has now resurfaced, sparking discussions online.

Flaa posted a clip from the interview on her YouTube channel on August 11, where she candidly referred to it as "the most uncomfortable situation" she had ever encountered in her career.

The tension began when Flaa congratulated Lively, now 36, on her pregnancy, saying, "Congrats on your little bump." Lively, pregnant with her second child at the time, responded sarcastically with, "Congrats on your little bump," creating an awkward atmosphere.

Sensing the discomfort, Posey attempted to defuse the situation by humorously showcasing her own "bump," referencing her backside, which led to a brief exchange of light-hearted remarks about "lovely lady lumps."

However, the interview took another tense turn when Flaa praised the film's visual appeal and inquired whether the cast enjoyed the fashion on set. Lively, seemingly irritated by the focus on clothing, responded without making eye contact with Flaa, saying, "Everyone wants to talk about the clothes, but I wonder if they would ask the men about the clothes."

Flaa, undeterred, assured Lively that she would ask such questions of male actors as well. Still, Lively continued discussing with Posey how women in the industry often face questions about fashion more than their male counterparts, concluding with, "It’s not just the women that have the clothes, but I feel like the women get the conversation."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.