Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively may have had a great wedding ceremony almost eight years ago but they have been regretting their nuptials venue for a reason. Reports suggested it was because it was held at a former plantation in South Carolina.
In a recent interview with Fast Company, Reynolds said having their wedding in the plantation is something that he and Lively would deeply regret. The couple exchanged vows in September 2012 at Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina.
The Deadpool actor and Blake raised eyebrows when they decided to hold their wedding at the place where slaves had suffered and died. However, not much attention was given at the time until two years ago.
Reynolds was heavily criticized in 2018 after he tweeted his support for Black Panther. Many accused the actor of hypocrisy for praising the Marvel movie that was lauded for its largely African American cast and the black representation in the genre.
Reynolds said tying the knot at a plantation was a mistake that is "impossible to reconcile." The 6 Underground actor said it was a lack of better judgment on their part. However, this mistake made them reevaluate things and start to take action.
In June, the couple released a statement on the heights of the call to end racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement protests in the streets. In their message posted on social media, they also touched their own misgivings years ago.
The couple also donated $200,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The pair's latest donation came after a reported $1 million donations Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively made last year to the same organization and to the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights.
Moreover, Reynolds said his production and marketing agency, Maximum Effort, is also answering the call for diversity at the workplace. They have employed staff members of different races and ethnicities and also provided them with equity in the company.
Meanwhile, the Boone Hall Plantation is among local plantation sites under scrutiny. Critics have been demanding accountability from the management of the place and a better approach in interpreting and presenting history.
Earlier this year, Boone Hall owner Willie McRae told The Post and Courier that he wasn't ashamed of anything that was done at the plantation and was glad to welcome couples who want to tie the knot at their place.
He said Boone Hall hosts more than 100 weddings every year. McRae passed away in April.
