Interviews are meant to be a platform for conversation—a space for interviewees and interviewers to engage in meaningful dialogue. But what happens when an interview goes off-track? When one side actively dismisses the other, or shows no interest in having a true conversation? Blake Lively’s recent interview with an interviewer named Shasty highlighted just how easily an interview can slip into discomfort, showing linguistic red flags and revealing unflattering attitudes.

In a typical interview, both parties should aim to contribute and make the exchange enjoyable for the audience. Yet, Blake Lively and her co-star, Parker, seemed more interested in sidestepping the interview’s natural flow than in genuinely engaging with Shasty. The tone of the conversation quickly shifts when Lively and Parker decide to focus on a seemingly innocent comment about Lively’s “little bump”—a term used to refer to her pregnancy. What could have been a harmless conversation starter soon escalated into a cringe-worthy exchange. By overemphasizing the term “little bump” and misinterpreting Shasty’s question, Blake and Parker deliberately set the stage to exclude the interviewer from the conversation.

Blake’s reaction was a perfect example of how the dynamics of power can be skewed in an interview setting. Rather than engaging Shasty with kindness, she repetitively and accusatorily corrected the interviewer’s innocent remark. Meanwhile, Parker chimed in with a vulgar response, all of which demonstrated a clear lack of respect for Shasty’s role in the conversation. This wasn’t just immature behavior—it was a deliberate attempt to shut down any attempt at meaningful interaction.

Their interactions, particularly Parker’s response to Shasty’s question about the clothes worn in the film, further demonstrated their disinterest in the interview process. When asked about their wardrobe choices for the movie, the actresses appeared more focused on their personal discomfort than on offering insights about their work. Blake even went as far as to question whether the men in the film would be asked the same questions, almost implying that the inquiry itself was beneath her. This deflection, disguised as feminism, showed a blatant disregard for Shasty’s valid and thoughtful inquiry.

However, as the interview continued, Blake’s responses became increasingly performative. She made an effort to pivot away from Shasty’s questions, pretending to be offended by simple remarks that she could have easily addressed. This highlighted a deeper issue: her sense of superiority and entitlement. Lively’s refusal to engage with Shasty directly, her failure to acknowledge her presence, and her tendency to talk over the interviewer all painted a picture of someone far more concerned with controlling the conversation than with meaningful exchange.

The linguistic red flags in this interaction weren’t just about tone but also about the structure of the conversation itself. In conversation analysis, there’s a concept called “Transition Relevance Place” (TRP), which is the moment when it’s appropriate for someone to take their turn in speaking. Blake and Parker appeared to have little regard for this concept, speaking over Shasty, making it clear they didn’t view her as an equal participant in the conversation. This kind of behavior suggests an inflated sense of importance, typical of those who’ve been in the public eye for too long.

Blake’s discomfort with being asked about the clothes and the role of wardrobe in the film reveals her own insecurities and perhaps an unwillingness to engage with topics that don’t align with her desired public image. At one point, she even refused to acknowledge Shasty’s question directly, instead choosing to assume and generalize about what she thought Shasty would say. This kind of preemptive dismissal is a clear indication of someone more interested in appearing virtuous or intellectually superior than actually listening or responding to others.

The most striking takeaway from this interview is how Blake and Parker’s behavior served as a reminder of the dangers of celebrity entitlement. Fame and constant public attention can often create a sense of superiority, leaving individuals like Lively and Parker feeling as though they’re above basic conversational norms. While they may present themselves as “authentic,” their behavior revealed a deep disconnect between their public personas and their actual interactions with others.

In a world where social media and public images are heavily curated, it’s becoming harder to decipher who celebrities truly are behind the polished façade. The interview with Blake Lively and Parker offers a stark reminder that even the most celebrated individuals can fall victim to the very behavior they often criticize—an air of superiority, an unwillingness to engage, and a constant need for validation. It’s a fascinating, if cringeworthy, glimpse behind the curtain of Hollywood’s often impenetrable walls.