Critics Pile On Ryan Reynolds And Blake Lively For Claiming ‘Working Class’ Roots
There’s nothing quite as delightful—or infuriating—as celebrities trying to convince the world that they’re “just like us.” You know the trope: they eat pizza, wear sweatpants, and claim to have grown up “working class.”
But let’s be honest if their childhood stories involve anything more glamorous than rummaging through couch cushions for snack money; the public is going to call foul. And that’s exactly what happened when Hollywood power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively recently landed in hot water over their claims of modest upbringings.
In a world already fatigued by the ultra-rich waxing poetic about their “relatable” lives, Ryan and Blake’s remarks couldn’t have come at a worse time. The couple, known for their picture-perfect family life and quick wit on social media, suddenly found themselves on the receiving end of internet outrage.
A wave of sarcastic comments and memes flooded platforms like Instagram and Reddit, with users questioning Blake’s description of her Hollywood-infused upbringing as anything close to working class.
Now, you’re probably wondering what exactly triggered this much backlash. Was it Ryan’s heartfelt musings about giving his kids a “normal life” or Blake’s childhood memories of growing up on movie sets? Let’s unpack the drama together.
Smiling through the storm—Ryan and Blake face the heat while keeping their glam game strong
Gotham/Getty ImagesIn a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ryan shared how he and Blake are raising their four children away from the glitz and paparazzi. He reflected on his own childhood, calling it “working class,” and mentioned how different his kids’ lives are compared to his.
Serving floral fabulousness—Blake proves that luxury is a state of fashion
Sean Zanni/Getty Images“We both grew up very working class,” Ryan said. “I used to think, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid.’” Sweet, right? Well, not so much.
Couples who vote together, stay relatable together... or at least try to.
blakelivelyFor Ryan and Blake, this is a sobering reminder that in today’s hyper-aware world, authenticity isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Social media is not letting this one slide.
When your kids grow up with stars on the sidewalk instead of the sky—normal childhood vibes
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty ImagesCritics were quick to point out that while Ryan’s claims might hold water, Blake’s privileged upbringing tells a different story.
Ryan might’ve have had a more boy next door upbringing, but there’s nothing “working class” about Blake’s childhood—and netizens weren’t afraid to say it
Jeff Kravitz/Getty ImagesQuirky chic—Blake knows how to keep it playful and effortlessly cool.
blakelivelyFrom kid on set to Hollywood star—Blake’s glow-up started early. Now, if only she’d just admit it…
RedditWhile Ryan’s father was a policeman and his mother worked in retail, Blake grew up with a director father and a talent manager mother. She even landed her first film role at age ten thanks to dad’s connections—hardly the blueprint for a working-class childhood.
Little Ryan, big dreams—proving that charm starts young.
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A slice of working-class roots—Ryan’s journey from humble beginnings to global stardom
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The backlash was swift. Social media users rolled their eyes at what they saw as an out-of-touch attempt at relatability. “Stop trying to make Relatable Blake happen. It’s NOT going to happen,” one user quipped. Another accused the couple of misinterpreting “working class” as simply “having a job.”
Hollywood glamour meets public scrutiny: can their charm, good looks, and picture-perfect chemistry diffuse the backlash? Only time will tell
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Fans aren’t buying Ryan’s storyline, and they’re not holding back
Another angle
Have you noticed this too?
“Like how the working class totally get married on plantations.”
This controversy lands amid a broader trend of “ignoring” celebrities—an online movement urging people to disengage from celebrity culture altogether. The trend highlights a shift in how we view fame, particularly in an era where economic inequality is at the forefront of many people’s lives.
For Ryan and Blake, this is a sobering reminder that in today’s hyper-aware world, authenticity isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Social media is not letting this one slide.
