Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s public feud has taken a shocking turn, with accusations, counterclaims, and lawsuits dominating the headlines over their work on the film It Ends With Us. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ongoing controversy:
The Dispute
Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, have been accused by Baldoni and his publicists of orchestrating a smear campaign filled with false sexual harassment claims... Continue reading here ▶
According to court documents, Baldoni’s team alleges that Lively’s actions were an attempt to damage his career and reputation.
The Legal Battle
In December 2023, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of creating a toxic work environment and sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us.
Baldoni has strongly denied these allegations, calling them “heinously false” through his lawyer, Bryan Freedman. In retaliation, Baldoni filed his own $400 million defamation lawsuit, claiming Lively had hijacked the production and initiated a smear campaign.
Accusations Against Lively
- Falsely claiming sexual harassment.
- Using her celebrity connections to pressure him into submission.
- Allegedly “hijacking” the film’s production, including influencing its marketing strategy and overshadowing its focus on domestic violence themes.
- Excluding Baldoni and his family from the movie premiere by relegating them to a basement area.
Lively’s Response
Blake Lively’s legal team denies Baldoni’s accusations, describing them as an example of “DARVO” (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender). They argue that Baldoni’s lawsuit is an attempt to deflect attention from his own misconduct.
The Role of Evidence
Baldoni’s lawsuit includes alleged full-text exchanges that his team claims were manipulated by Lively’s team to support her claims. Meanwhile, Lively’s lawyers argue that other cast and crew members have had negative experiences with Baldoni, supporting her allegations.
Public Backlash and Industry Fallout
Social media users criticized Lively for her tone during interviews promoting the film, calling her responses “tone-deaf” for not addressing the movie’s serious themes. Baldoni claims that Lively’s promotional activities, including using the film to market her personal brands, triggered an organic backlash, not a smear campaign.
Allegations of Power Play
The suit also highlights instances where Lively allegedly used her influence to dominate creative decisions on the film, including demanding rewrites and undermining Baldoni’s authority as the director.
Personal Impacts
- Baldoni’s publicists received death threats and anti-Semitic abuse.
- Lively alleges that she faced retaliation and character assassination.
- Both parties have faced intense scrutiny and criticism.
The Movie’s Reception
Despite the controversy, It Ends With Us performed well at the box office, though critics gave mixed reviews. The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, deals with domestic violence and relationship struggles—a theme central to the dispute over how it should have been marketed.
This legal battle, which has captivated Hollywood, raises important questions about workplace dynamics, power, and accountability in the entertainment industry.
As both parties prepare for court, the case promises to remain in the spotlight for months to come.
This unfolding drama highlights the complexity of navigating personal and professional disputes under public scrutiny. Both Baldoni and Lively’s futures in Hollywood may be shaped by the resolution of these explosive claims.
