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(NewsNation) — Blake Lively is trying to paint herself as a victim of sexual harassment and defamation in her lawsuit against “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni (who also directed and produced the movie) — but her public persona is hitting a new low.
Blake Lively’s popularity lower than it was a year ago: Poll
According to market research company YouGov, which tracks the popularity and fame of public people, Lively’s popularity is at a meager 54.5 … lower than it was a year ago (but not as low as it was in January once Baldoni hit back with his own lawsuit, publishing thelawsuitinfo.com, which contains his suit as well as a timeline of events and receipts to back up what he claims). However, only 7% of the people polled actively dislike her (though it seems like a lot more if you watch reels on social media), while 25% were “neutral.”
Her fame index — which means the percentage of people in the United States who recognize her name — has skyrocketed five percentage points, with 86.1% of Americans recognizing her name.
This could spell good news for Lively, who, at least during the lawsuit — which doesn’t go to trial until 2026 — is untouchable in Hollywood.
As I previously reported: Hollywood is loath to work with litigious actresses who cause them to go over budget.
Hollywood insider: No one wants to work with Blake Lively
“No one wants to work with Blake,” my Hollywood insider said. “She cost (producer) Wayfarer and Sony (the distributor of ‘It Ends With Us’) millions and blew past budgets with her demands and actions.”
This combination of images shows Blake Lively at the London screening of the film “It ‘Ends With Us” on Aug. 8, 2024, left, and Justin Baldoni at the world premiere of the film in New York on Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo) 
FILE – Blake Lively poses for photographers upon arrival at the UK Gala Screening for the film ‘It ‘Ends With Us’ on Thursday, Aug, 8, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File) 
This image released by Sony Pictures shows Justin Baldoni, left, and Blake Lively in a scene from “It Ends With Us.” (Nicole Rivelli/Sony Pictures via AP) 
Blake Lively is seen arriving at the CFDA Fashion Awards held at the American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) 
JERSEY CITY, NJ – JANUARY 12: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of ‘It Ends with Us’ on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) 
US actor Blake Lively poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the UK gala screening for “It ends with us” at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester square, central London on August 8, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) 
JERSEY CITY, NJ – JANUARY 12: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of “It Ends with Us” on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) 
FILE – Blake Lively appears at the screening for the film “It ‘Ends With Us'” in London on Aug. 8, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File) 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 06: (L-R) Hugh Jackman , Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds attend the “It Ends With Us” New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
The “demands” and “actions” are detailed in the $400 million defamation lawsuit (and corresponding website) Baldoni, who produced, directed and co-starred in “It Ends With Us,’ filed against Lively.
Blake Lively trying to help her image
Meanwhile, Lively is trying to repair the damage to her image by posting “wholesome” social media posts like the story on Saturday where she was in a friend’s industrial kitchen and pastry dough was being mixed.
Maybe she will get her own cooking show a la Meghan Markle.