Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have both initiated legal actions, intensifying the contentious dispute over incidents surrounding their film “It Ends With Us.” Lively filed a lawsuit in New York against Baldoni, who is also the film’s director, alleging sexual harassment on set and accusing him, along with others, of attempting to damage her reputation in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Baldoni is suing the New York Times for libel, claiming that their report on Lively’s allegations was biased and omitted crucial evidence.
Lively’s lawsuit contends that Baldoni and production company Wayfarer Studios orchestrated a retaliatory scheme to silence her and others. She accuses them of spreading damaging rumors online and in the media as retaliation for her and her husband Ryan Reynolds’s complaints about Baldoni’s behavior. The allegations include inappropriate comments made by Baldoni about the appearance of Lively and other women on set, as well as pressuring her to disclose personal details about her life.
Baldoni’s lawsuit against the New York Times seeks $250 million in damages, asserting that their coverage was misleading and part of a campaign to support Lively’s claims. The Times has defended its reporting, stating that it was based on extensive documentation and vowed to fight the lawsuit.
The film “It Ends With Us,” based on a novel by Colleen Hoover, debuted in August 2024 to significant commercial success but has been overshadowed by the ongoing legal and personal conflicts between its stars. Baldoni, who recently parted ways with his agency following these disputes, claims the media has favored Lively’s narrative, further damaging his reputation. Despite these controversies, the legal proceedings are set to continue, with both parties seeking damages and a resolution to their disputes.
