Blake Lively’s Former Lifestyle Brand Allegedly Fostered a Toxic Workplace: Insights from Ex-Employees
Recent revelations from six former employees of Blake Lively’s defunct lifestyle brand, Preserve, have turned heads and sparked conversations about workplace culture in the celebrity world. Allegations surrounding an organization described as “toxic,” “unprofessional,” and “chaotic” paint a striking contrast to the glamorous image often associated with celebrity ventures.
The Exposé: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
In a bombshell report published by Daily Mail, one ex-employee stated, “The entire company was an absolute disaster.” This comment sets the tone for an exposé that reveals not just operational failures, but also deep emotional ramifications for those working under Lively and her team.
One particularly poignant statement highlighted the irony of Blake Lively’s recent claims about other workplaces. A former employee noted, “The workplace allegations that Blake is making now are deeply ironic, given that it was one of the most insane, toxic, emotionally draining, and disorganized environments you could imagine.”
The Rise and Fall of Preserve
Lively launched Preserve in 2014 as an online shop featuring artisanal home goods, but the brand shuttered within a year. The quick downfall raises questions about the management style and operational ethics that permeated the company. Staffers recounted various troubling experiences:
- A second former employee shared, “The impression she left on me after I worked at Preserve is that she doesn’t care. It was a really toxic work environment.”
- One staff member recounted an instance where Lively appeared unkempt and unprepared during a photo shoot at her Westchester County mansion.
Management Issues: Unqualified Leadership?
Allegations didn’t stop with Lively; her brother, Eric Lively, who reportedly served as the creative director, was characterized as unfit for the role. An ex-employee alleged, “Eric was completely unqualified to run a company,” and they added, “There were a lot of ways in which the employment was unprofessional.”
Additionally, staff members claimed they often lacked basic office necessities. For months, employees allegedly had to sit on the cold floor of a studio because furniture deliveries were delayed. “The irony of it being a lifestyle site that was selling these really expensive wares was not lost on anyone,” one employee remarked.
Unpaid Overtime and Legal Battles
The work culture at Preserve was described as grueling. Ex-employees stated they were often required to put in crazy hours without timely pay. Some even found themselves unable to afford subway fare when their wages were late.
As the turmoil simmered, reports indicated that some employees received settlements totaling up to $300,000 after threatening legal action due to mistreatment. “Leslie Sloane shut it down,” claimed a former staffer, highlighting the role of Lively’s long-time publicist in keeping the company’s issues under wraps.
Lively’s Reflection on Preserve
In a candid interview with Entrepreneur, Lively acknowledged the mistakes made during this period. She expressed, “I poured everything I had into that company,” although she did not elaborate on the specific challenges she faced.
Current Allegations and Future Developments
This exposé has come to light amid Lively’s current legal battle with actor Justin Baldoni, who she has accused of sexual harassment and other serious claims. Baldoni has denied any wrongdoing and has countersued for extortion and defamation, escalating the drama even further. A trial is set for March 2026, putting Lively’s personal and professional life under an intense spotlight.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
The allegations made by former staffers of Preserve serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of workplace culture, even for those operating at the highest echelons of the entertainment industry. As Lively continues to navigate these turbulent waters, the revelations about Preserve underscore the complexities and challenges of running a lifestyle brand in today’s market.
The dialogue surrounding workplace culture in celebrity brands is more important now than ever—ensuring that those at the top not only lead in creativity but also foster environments of respect and professionalism.
