The drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, stars of It Ends With Us, feels straight out of a soap opera. What started as whispers on social media has now escalated into a lawsuit that could change everything. The sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Lively against Baldoni has been a major topic of conversation.
For those still unclear on how we got here, here’s a chronological breakdown of events.
How It All Started
Promotional tours for the highly anticipated film began mid-2024. Fans quickly noticed something unusual on Instagram: none of the main actors—Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate, or Isabela Ferrer—followed Justin Baldoni on the platform. Even Colleen Hoover, the author of the book the film is based on, didn’t follow him. Oddly enough, Baldoni followed all of them, making it hard to believe it was a coincidence.
During the press tour, Baldoni’s absence from group interviews was even more conspicuous. While some rumors suggested health issues, others speculated tensions between the cast and director were to blame. At the New York premiere on August 6, Baldoni added fuel to the fire. He did not pose for photos with the rest of the cast, nor did he sit with them during the screening. For many, this confirmed suspicions something was amiss.
Trouble on Set
The tension wasn’t confined to social media and red carpets. Sources from the production claimed Baldoni disregarded Lively’s perspective during intense scenes of abuse, focusing solely on the male character’s point of view. Some crew members described his behavior as “dismissive” and “macho,” creating an uncomfortable environment for Lively. Matters escalated during post-production when Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, reportedly contributed to rewrites for significant scenes. Baldoni did not take this well.
The Lawsuit
After the premiere, things appeared to settle until December 21, when the controversy resurfaced. Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrated efforts to damage her reputation. Justin Baldoni allegedly hired crisis PR experts who crafted plans for dominating social media through coordinated attacks on Lively, including initiating “full social account take downs.”
Reports detailed instances of inappropriate conduct, highlighting Baldoni allegedly showing Lively explicit videos and discussing his “pornography addiction.” The lawsuit claims Baldoni ignored Lively’s requests for intimacy coordinators during sensitive scenes.
Responding to the claims, Baldoni and his legal team denied all accusations, branding them “completely false” and “scandalous.” Despite this, the damage was already done. His talent agency severed ties with him, and reports suggest most of the cast and crew wanted nothing to do with him. The truth, they say, always rises to the surface.
The Impact of Public Support
With the lawsuit’s emergence, support for Lively blossomed within Hollywood. Celebrities, including Amber Heard and Jenny Slate, rallied around the actress, calling for respect and change within the industry. Heard stated, “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying 'A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.'”
This sentiment echoed through Lively’s public statements where she expressed hope her legal standing might encourage others experiencing similar workplace misconduct to speak out. “I hope my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics,” she said.
The Battle Behind the Scenes
According to Lively’s lawsuit, Baldoni not only mistreated her during filming but also conspired against her through deliberate media manipulation. Text messages and emails reportedly reveal efforts to plant negative stories about Lively, portraying her as difficult. Meanwhile, Baldoni's approach to the film's marketing was criticized, focusing on superficial romantic elements instead of the serious themes of domestic violence.
The fallout has provoked widespread debate about the power dynamics within Hollywood. Lively’s allegations, if substantiated, could spark similar accusations against other industry figures, potentially reshaping perceptions of how women are treated behind the scenes.
What Lies Ahead
While the drama surrounding It Ends With Us has captured public attention, the movie itself thrived at the box office, generating $349.7 million globally on modest expectations. Despite mixed reviews, audiences praised the film and its portrayal of domestic challenges. Interestingly, Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios hold the rights for the sequel, It Starts with Us, but this current storm threatens any potential collaboration.
The shadow of the legal battle looms not only over the film’s legacy but raises significant questions about women's rights within the entertainment industry. Whether this case paves the way for change or becomes another chapter of controversy rests to be seen. Lively's decision to speak out may shift industry standards and encourage newfound accountability.
It’s clear—this isn’t just about one film but rather the broader narrative of sexual harassment and the persistent fight against it.
