Blake Lively has made a spectacularly awkward return to the spotlight after years away from Hollywood's glare. The Gossip Girl star appeared visibly nervous as she stumbled through a promotional event for her Betty Buzz haircare venture in what marked her first major public appearance since stepping back from her acting career.
Footage from the event shows the 36-year-old actress looking uncharacteristically flustered as she addressed the crowd. Lively appeared to forget her lines, awkwardly pausing and struggling to find the right words to promote her product line.
The once-polished red carpet pro seemed to have lost her touch during her time away from the limelight. Her delivery was hesitant, and she frequently looked down at her notes, creating several uncomfortable pauses that left the audience shifting in their seats.
This cringe-worthy moment comes after Lively largely retreated from public life to focus on raising her four children with husband Ryan Reynolds. The couple have been notoriously private about their family life, with Lively making only rare appearances in recent years.
Social media reactions were swift and merciless, with one user quipping: 'Someone's forgotten how to people.' Another commented: 'This is what happens when you trade red carpets for nappy changes.'
The event was supposed to mark a triumphant return to business for the actress, who launched Betty Buzz as an extension of her successful Betty Booze alcoholic mixer line. Instead, it served as a reminder that even A-list celebrities can lose their shine when they step out of practice.
Lively's last major film role was in 2020's 'The Rhythm Section,' after which she largely disappeared from public view. Her absence has been particularly noticeable given her husband Ryan Reynolds's continued success with his Deadpool franchise and various business ventures.
Whether this awkward appearance signals a permanent change in the once-smooth performer or simply some rustiness remains to be seen. For now, it serves as a cautionary tale about what happens when you leave the spotlight for too long.
