Blake Lively has found herself at the center of controversy 

after a resurfaced video from a panel discussion revealed her making a controversial joke about her *Gossip Girl* co-star Leighton Meester. 

In the undated clip, Lively, 37, makes an insensitive comment regarding Meester’s birth, 

which has left many social media users shocked and upset.

In the video, Blake, who is seated next to Leighton and other *Gossip Girl* cast members, delivers the remark, “Well, some of us started in a cage,” while gesturing towards Leighton. 

The comment, intended as a joke, immediately falls flat, with Blake quickly attempting to justify it by saying, “Come on, it was a joke! Lord have mercy.” 

Despite her efforts to downplay the comment, the awkwardness in the room is palpable, and the audience’s lack of laughter further underscores the discomfort.

The joke has sparked outrage online, with many calling it “cruel” and “inappropriate.” Social media users have been vocal about their disappointment in Blake, with one commenter writing, “Making a joke at someone’s expense is very telling that you have low-class mentality.” Others have echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Blake for attempting humor at the expense of her co-star’s difficult past. “Always joking BUT in reality being mean,” one user pointed out, while another said, “She did not… that’s effed up.”

Leighton Meester, 38, was born while her mother, Constance, was incarcerated. Constance was convicted of drug trafficking in the 1980s and served 10 years in a Texas state prison. Leighton was raised by her grandmother until her mother’s release in 1995. Blake’s comment referencing Leighton’s early life has been widely viewed as insensitive, considering the challenging circumstances surrounding Leighton’s birth.

Fans have expressed their shock, particularly at the way Blake delivered the joke, including her gesture towards Leighton. The video clip has ignited a wave of criticism, with many feeling that Blake’s attempt at humor crossed a line. “Always joking but nobody is laughing,” one fan remarked, capturing the overall sentiment of the backlash.

Blake and Leighton starred alongside each other in the hit teen drama *Gossip Girl*, which ran for six seasons from 2007 to 2012. The show, created by Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, followed a group of wealthy teenagers living in New York City’s Upper East Side, with a mysterious gossip blogger narrating their lives. Blake played Serena van der Woodsen, while Leighton portrayed Blair Waldorf, two characters whose complicated friendship and rivalry were central to the drama.

However, behind the scenes, Blake and Leighton were never close friends. In a 2017 interview with *Vanity Fair*, *Gossip Girl* executive producer Joshua Safran revealed that the actresses were not as friendly as their characters. He described their relationship as “friendly but not friends,” comparing their real-life personalities to their on-screen counterparts. While Blake was described as lively, outgoing, and contemporary, Leighton was known for being more reserved and introspective, often keeping to herself after filming wrapped for the day.

Blake’s comments about Leighton come at a time when she is already embroiled in controversy. Recently, the actress has made headlines after accusing her *It Ends With Us* co-star, Justin Baldoni, of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment on the set of the Colleen Hoover adaptation. Blake has been vocal about the challenges she faced during the filming process, and her allegations have added fuel to an ongoing legal dispute. Justin, in turn, has filed a defamation lawsuit against *The New York Times*, which reported Blake’s accusations, and he is also planning to countersue the actress.

While Blake’s legal battle with Justin continues to unfold, the resurfaced clip has reignited criticism of her behavior, particularly her treatment of Leighton. The fallout from the joke may affect her public image, especially given the current focus on her personal and professional life. However, Blake has also garnered support from former colleagues, including those who have spoken out in favor of her during the controversy with Justin.

Blake Lively’s comment about Leighton Meester has certainly stirred a great deal of public debate, with many questioning the boundaries of humor and what is considered acceptable in a professional setting. While the joke may have been meant as lighthearted banter, the underlying implications have led to significant backlash, prompting a wider conversation about empathy, respect, and the consequences of making jokes at others’ expense.

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