Amid a swirling storm of legal battles, Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are entangled in a feud that has significantly caught the attention of fans and media alike. The public drama has escalated into a chaotic series of lawsuits and accusations, while actor Armie Hammer has emerged as an unexpected figure in this ongoing saga, despite his efforts to remain neutral.
The root of the friction stems from a lawsuit initiated by Blake Lively in December 2024 against Baldoni and others, including crisis PR manager Melissa Nathan and co-producer Jamey Heath. Lively claimed that Baldoni was involved in sexual harassment and a coordinated smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation during the promotional activities for their shared film, It Ends With Us.
The tension reportedly heightened while Lively and Baldoni were filming the adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel. The situation became more complicated when allegations of a feud surfaced, alongside a backdrop of public appearances where the two seemed to intentionally avoid one another. This was the tipping point that led to Lively’s bold legal move.
In a counteracting twist, Justin Baldoni has now found himself suing his former publicist, Stephanie Jones, claiming that she leaked private text messages which resulted in mounting pressures and further legal complications. His lawsuits also include Baldoni and original publicist Jennifer Abel, alleging violations of confidentiality stemming from Jones's actions.
In a statement shared by Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, it was mentioned: "It is undeniable that Stephanie Jones initiated this catastrophic sequence of events by violating the most basic of privacy rights, as well as any remaining trust her clients held." Freedman pointed out that Jones had transferred sensitive communications from an improperly acquired phone to Lively's publicist, prompting Lively’s lawsuit.
The intricate web of allegations does not stop there. Jones, in an attempt to defend her actions, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, citing breach of contract while linking her termination to the supposed smear campaign. “Ms. Jones’s lawsuit is based entirely on facts and concrete evidence,” Jones’s lawyer has stated, underscoring that the developments stemmed from a conspiracy involving multiple parties aiming to undermine her business.
The legal tussles continued as Baldoni took on the New York Times in January 2025 for $250 million, claiming the publication provided false light and libelous statements regarding Lively's allegations against him. The newspaper insists on defending its reporting, signaling that the legal battles will continue to unfold in the public sphere.
Additionally, Baldoni counter-sued Lively and her husband, the well-known actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million, stating that they were attempting to harm his career and reputation. The recent legal maneuvers have created a media spectacle that has captivated many who follow the lives of these stars.
Meanwhile, as the legal dust began to settle, Armie Hammer, who shares connections with both critical parties—having co-starred with Lively in Gossip Girl and knowing Baldoni from acting classes—has made efforts to divert the spotlight from himself amidst the chaos. In an interview on Hot Mics with Billy Bush, Hammer stated, "I have enough of my own problems right before throwing my hat into someone else's ring.” His attempts to distance himself from the pending drama and celebrity culture have not gone unnoticed.
Hammer's appearance sparked curiosity as he dodged pointed questions about Lively and Baldoni, further contributing to the spectacle. When asked about the kissing scene he shared with Lively, Hammer proclaimed, "I don't even remember dude! I wouldn't even if I did", effectively making it clear that he wishes to avoid involvement in the heightened tensions between the two stars.
As public interest surges, the ongoing legal drama poses critical implications for all parties involved. The industry is witnessing how personal disputes can spill into the legal arena, drastically affecting public perceptions and the career trajectories of these actors.
It is also worth noting that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have decided to skip the upcoming Met Gala, reportedly because of their ongoing legal challenges with Baldoni. While reactions from the couple have yet to be officially stated regarding their absence, reports from TMZ indicate that their decision wasn't specifically influenced by the lawsuits, suggesting they made plans to spend quality time with their children instead.
As the Met Gala approaches on May 5th, anticipation looms not just about who will attend, but also about the evolving legal disputes that will shape the narrative of Hollywood’s elite. The reverberations of these events are likely to be felt long after the courtroom doors close. Will we see a resolution to this star-studded saga, or will it continue to unfold in public view? Only time will tell.
