What began as a highly anticipated collaboration between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni for the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us has spiraled into a contentious legal battle. Rumors of tension between the two stars first surfaced during the film’s press tour in August 2024, with Baldoni noticeably absent from major events, including the high-profile New York City premiere. Observers noted the lack of photographs of the two together, fueling speculation of discord.
At the same time, Lively faced backlash from fans who criticized her promotional efforts. Many felt she trivialized the film’s heavy themes of domestic abuse by focusing on her hair care line and alcohol brand during interviews. Moments in press junkets where she appeared insensitive while discussing the movie’s darker elements further fueled the controversy.
Baldoni was not without criticism himself. Reports emerged alleging that he created an uncomfortable work environment during production, including inappropriate comments about Lively’s weight. His decision to hire a crisis PR manager shortly after the film’s release was seen by some as an attempt to control the narrative, especially as tensions between the two stars became increasingly public.
Legal Complaints and Harassment Allegations
The drama escalated in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a legal complaint in California, alleging a pattern of harassment by Baldoni and co-producer Jamey Heath. According to the filing, Baldoni repeatedly violated her personal boundaries, including entering her trailer unannounced while she was breastfeeding and making inappropriate comments about her weight. Heath was accused of pressuring Lively to simulate nudity for a birth scene and showing her a video of his wife in labor.
Lively’s complaint also highlighted failures by Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, to enforce safeguards promised in her contract. These included provisions for a full-time intimacy coordinator and measures to prevent retaliation for reporting misconduct. Lively claimed these measures were inadequately enforced, leaving her vulnerable on set.
In a statement to The New York Times, Lively said she hoped her legal action would expose the retaliatory tactics used in Hollywood against those who speak up about misconduct. Her remarks were published in a damning exposé that detailed her allegations and shed light on the power dynamics at play during the film’s production.
Retaliation Lawsuits and Smear Campaigns
Following Lively’s initial complaint, the conflict intensified. On December 31, 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit in federal court against Baldoni, his PR team, and Wayfarer Studios, accusing them of orchestrating a smear campaign during the film’s promotional tour. She argued that the negative backlash she faced was part of a retaliatory effort to undermine her credibility.
That same day, Baldoni launched a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times for its coverage of Lively’s allegations. Baldoni’s legal team accused the publication of using doctored and manipulated texts to paint him in a negative light, vowing to “vigorously defend” his reputation. The Times stood by its reporting, stating that the story was based on meticulously reviewed documents, including text messages and emails.
The lawsuits highlighted the deepening rift between the two stars and their respective teams. Lively’s camp accused Baldoni of using intimidation tactics to silence her, while Baldoni maintained that Lively’s claims were exaggerated and designed to damage his reputation.
The $400 Million Lawsuit Against Lively and Ryan Reynolds
In January 2025, Baldoni escalated the conflict by filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloan. The lawsuit accused Lively and her team of orchestrating a smear campaign to tarnish Baldoni’s reputation and gain creative control over the film. Baldoni alleged that Reynolds and even Taylor Swift pressured him to rewrite key scenes to align with Lively’s creative vision.
Baldoni’s filing also claimed Lively undermined the production by making excessive wardrobe demands and refusing to collaborate with the film’s domestic violence partner organization. Instead, he argued, her “tone-deaf” press tour alienated fans and shifted focus away from the film’s message.
Lively’s legal team dismissed Baldoni’s claims, framing them as an attack on her credibility. They maintained that her allegations of harassment were substantiated by evidence, including testimony from other cast and crew members who reported negative experiences with Baldoni.
The Role of Leaked Footage and Social Media
On January 21, 2025, Baldoni’s legal team leaked a clip to the Daily Mail that they claimed disproved Lively’s allegations of harassment. The video, which showed a lighthearted exchange between the two actors during a scene, was intended to challenge Lively’s narrative. Baldoni’s team announced plans to launch a website to share further correspondence and evidence to counter her claims.
In response, Lively and Reynolds filed a court request for a gag order to prevent Baldoni’s team from making inflammatory public statements or leaking additional information. Their legal filing emphasized the need for privacy and decorum amid the escalating drama.
The social media response to the leaked footage was divided. While some users sided with Baldoni, others accused him of attempting to discredit Lively through selective editing. The online discourse further amplified the tension, drawing attention away from the film’s message and toward the personal feud between its stars.
Colleen Hoover and Industry Fallout
As the legal battle unfolded, Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends With Us, deactivated her Instagram account on January 22, 2025. Fans speculated that the ongoing drama between Lively and Baldoni influenced her decision, particularly given her earlier public support for Lively’s initial complaint.
The controversy has also raised questions about the future of the franchise. Despite the film’s financial success, with a global box office gross of $351 million, the off-screen drama has cast a shadow over potential sequels. Industry insiders have expressed concern about the lasting impact on the reputations of both stars, as well as the potential chilling effect on future collaborations.
For now, the legal drama between Lively and Baldoni remains unresolved. With both parties refusing to back down, the case has become a high-profile example of the challenges and power struggles that often lurk behind the scenes in Hollywood.