What started as an eagerly awaited collaboration between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni for the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us has unraveled into a bitter legal dispute. Speculation about tension between the co-stars first emerged during the movie’s press tour in August 2024, with Baldoni’s conspicuous absence from key promotional events, including the star-studded New York City premiere. The lack of joint appearances and photos of the two only fueled rumors of discord.
Simultaneously, Lively faced mounting criticism from fans who accused her of mishandling the film’s sensitive subject matter. Many felt that by emphasizing her beauty and lifestyle brands in interviews, she downplayed the movie’s exploration of domestic abuse. Press junket moments in which she appeared indifferent when discussing the film’s heavier themes only heightened the backlash.
Baldoni was not exempt from controversy either. Reports surfaced accusing him of fostering a tense work environment on set, including alleged inappropriate remarks about Lively’s weight. His decision to bring on a crisis PR strategist shortly after the film’s release was widely interpreted as an attempt to control public perception—especially as tensions between him and Lively became increasingly apparent.
Legal Accusations and Workplace Misconduct Claims
The situation escalated in December 2024 when Blake Lively formally lodged a legal complaint in California, accusing Baldoni and co-producer Jamey Heath of persistent harassment. According to court documents, Baldoni repeatedly crossed personal boundaries, such as entering her trailer unannounced while she was breastfeeding and making inappropriate comments about her appearance. Meanwhile, Heath allegedly pressured Lively to simulate nudity for a birth scene and even showed her a video of his wife in labor as a reference.
Lively’s complaint also outlined alleged failures by Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, to uphold the contractual safeguards promised to her. These included hiring a full-time intimacy coordinator and ensuring protections against retaliation for reporting misconduct—provisions Lively claimed were either inconsistently enforced or outright ignored.
In a statement to The New York Times, Lively expressed hope that her legal action would expose the industry’s pattern of retaliation against those who speak out about workplace misconduct. Her remarks were featured in a bombshell exposé that further illuminated the power struggles behind the film’s production.
Defamation Lawsuits and Public Smear Campaigns
As Lively’s complaint gained traction, the battle intensified. On December 31, 2024, she filed a federal lawsuit against Baldoni, his PR team, and Wayfarer Studios, alleging they orchestrated a smear campaign to discredit her. Lively’s legal team claimed the public criticism she faced during the film’s promotional run was part of a concerted effort to undermine her credibility.
That same day, Baldoni countered with a staggering $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the publication of distorting facts and using manipulated text exchanges to vilify him. His legal team pledged to “vigorously defend” his name, while The Times stood by its reporting, asserting that the story was based on meticulously reviewed documents, including verified emails and text messages.
The dueling lawsuits only widened the chasm between the two former co-stars. Lively’s camp accused Baldoni of leveraging intimidation tactics to silence her, while Baldoni maintained that Lively’s allegations were exaggerated, intended to inflict reputational harm.
Baldoni’s $400 Million Lawsuit Against Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The conflict escalated further in January 2025 when Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her longtime publicist Leslie Sloan. Baldoni alleged that Lively and her inner circle orchestrated a campaign to tarnish his reputation in an effort to wrest creative control over the film. The lawsuit even claimed Reynolds and Taylor Swift exerted pressure on him to rewrite significant scenes to align with Lively’s vision.
In the filing, Baldoni also accused Lively of derailing production through excessive wardrobe demands and refusing to collaborate with the film’s domestic violence partner organization. Instead, he argued, her promotional efforts alienated audiences by prioritizing personal branding over the film’s message.
Lively’s legal team dismissed Baldoni’s claims outright, labeling them an attempt to discredit her. They reiterated that her harassment allegations were supported by evidence, including statements from cast and crew who reportedly had negative experiences working with Baldoni.
Leaked Footage and Social Media Firestorm
On January 21, 2025, Baldoni’s legal team leaked a behind-the-scenes video to The Daily Mail, claiming it debunked Lively’s accusations of harassment. The clip, which showed the two actors sharing a lighthearted exchange on set, was presented as evidence contradicting Lively’s claims. Baldoni’s team then announced plans to launch a website showcasing further messages and footage to challenge her allegations.
In response, Lively and Reynolds filed for a court-issued gag order to prevent Baldoni’s camp from releasing additional materials or making inflammatory public statements. Their legal motion emphasized the need to maintain decorum amid the escalating legal battle.
The leaked footage ignited a fierce debate across social media. While some users viewed it as proof of Lively exaggerating events, others criticized Baldoni for attempting to manipulate public perception through selective editing. The growing online discourse shifted attention away from the film itself, amplifying the personal dispute between its stars instead.
Colleen Hoover’s Withdrawal and Industry Repercussions
As the legal drama intensified, Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends With Us, deactivated her Instagram account on January 22, 2025. Fans speculated that the ongoing controversy surrounding Lively and Baldoni played a role in her decision, especially given her prior public support for Lively’s claims.
The fallout has cast uncertainty over the franchise’s future. Despite It Ends With Us achieving an impressive $351 million global box office haul, the off-screen turmoil has left potential sequels in limbo. Industry insiders have voiced concerns about the long-term reputational impact on both Lively and Baldoni, as well as the chilling effect such disputes may have on future collaborations.
For now, the legal battle remains unresolved, with neither party showing signs of backing down. As their dispute unfolds in the public eye, it serves as a stark reminder of the behind-the-scenes tensions and power struggles that often shape Hollywood productions.
