Jameela Jamil has addressed public criticism following the release of text messages where she referred to Blake Lively as a ‘suicide bomber’.
The controversy arises amid the legal dispute involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which has been ongoing since December 2024. On January 20, several emails, texts, and depositions were unsealed and filed in the US District Court in Manhattan by Lively’s legal team.
In these communications, various well-known individuals were mentioned, including Taylor Swift and Jameela Jamil.
The messages from Jamil were part of a private conversation in August 2024 with Jennifer Abel, Baldoni’s publicist, who also represents Jamil.
In response to a TikTok video criticizing Lively’s remarks during a press tour for the film “It Ends With Us,” Jamil texted: “She’s a suicide bomber at this point. I’ve never seen such a bizarre villain act before.”
The texts led to immediate backlash online, with critics labeling Jamil a ‘fake feminist’.
On January 22, Jamil addressed feminism on her Instagram stories, discussing what it truly ‘means’.
While she didn’t specifically mention the texts or Lively, the video seemed to be a response to the situation.
In the video, Jamil explained: “Guys, feminism means fighting for the political, social and economic equity for women. Just gender equity.”
Jamil elaborated that feminism ‘does not mean you have to like every single woman’ or ‘be friends with every single woman,’ and that it is perfectly acceptable to ‘criticize them’ or have disagreements.
“You can do whatever you want, as long as you are also fighting for their human right to the same things that men have in this world,” she stated.
Jamil continued by clarifying that feminism is “a moral and political stance” and not about superficial social connections.
“So if you are fighting for women’s rights, but you don’t get along with every single woman, it doesn’t make you a bad feminist,” she concluded.
Jamil’s comments have garnered support from social media users.
One person commented: “Being a feminist does not mean you have to ALWAYS be on the women’s side. Critical thinking should still be allowed.”
Another stated: “100 percent Amen, this isn’t boys vs girls, it’s about everyone getting treated like a human being, and everyone being held to account when they mistreat others.”