Hollywood loves a good drama, but the saga surrounding It Ends With Us has taken things to a whole new level. The 2024 film, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was a box office hit, grossing over $350 million worldwide. But behind the scenes, a storm was brewing between its director and co-star Justin Baldoni and leading lady Blake Lively. From whispers of on-set tension to explosive lawsuits, the Justin Baldoni Blake Lively feud has fans, critics, and the internet in a frenzy. With keywords like Baldoni lawsuit, Blake Lively lawsuit, and It Ends With Us trending, let’s dive into the full story—what happened, who’s saying what, and what it means for this beloved franchise. Buckle up, because this is one wild ride!
The Rise of It Ends With Us: A Blockbuster with a Heavy Message
Before we get into the Blake Lively Justin Baldoni drama, let’s set the stage. It Ends With Us is a romantic drama adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, a TikTok sensation with over 1 billion tags. The story follows Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a florist in Boston navigating love, trauma, and domestic abuse. Justin Baldoni not only directed the film but also starred as Ryle Kincaid, Lily’s charming but abusive partner. The movie, released in August 2024, struck a chord with audiences for its raw portrayal of resilience, earning praise for its emotional depth.
However, the film’s heavy themes didn’t translate to a harmonious set. Rumors of a rift between Baldoni and Lively started during the promotional tour, and by December 2024, legal battles erupted, turning this Hollywood hit into a headline-making controversy.
The Spark: How the Justin Baldoni Blake Lively Feud Began
The first signs of trouble appeared during the It Ends With Us press tour. Fans noticed Justin Baldoni was missing from group promotional events, while Blake Lively took center stage at premieres in New York and London. The two never posed together on the red carpet, and social media sleuths pointed out that Lively, co-star Brandon Sklenar, and even author Colleen Hoover didn’t follow Baldoni on Instagram. X posts exploded with speculation: Was there a feud? Did Blake Lively Justin Baldoni clash on set?
According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the tension stemmed from creative differences. Baldoni, a self-proclaimed advocate for women’s rights, wanted the film to emphasize its domestic abuse themes, staying true to Hoover’s novel. Lively, who also served as a producer, reportedly pushed for a lighter, more romantic tone to broaden its appeal. This led to two cuts of the film—Baldoni’s and Lively’s—with Sony Pictures ultimately favoring Lively’s version.
But it wasn’t just about creative control. X posts and entertainment blogs hinted at deeper issues, with some alleging Baldoni made Lively uncomfortable on set, while others claimed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, used their star power to sideline Baldoni. The lack of joint interviews and Baldoni’s solo press appearances fueled the fire.
The Lawsuits: Breaking Down the Baldoni Lawsuit and Blake Lively Lawsuit
By December 2024, the drama escalated into a full-blown legal battle. Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The allegations, detailed in a New York Times article titled “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine,” were explosive. Lively claimed:
- Baldoni entered her trailer uninvited while she was breastfeeding her son, Olin, causing her distress.
- He made inappropriate comments, including asking about her weight to avoid injury during a lifting scene, which Lively perceived as fat-shaming.
- Baldoni and his team, including publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, orchestrated a “social manipulation campaign” to damage her reputation after she raised concerns.
The New York Times published text messages allegedly showing Baldoni’s PR team planning to “bury” Lively, with one publicist saying, “He wants to feel like she can be buried.” Lively’s lawsuit, filed in federal court on December 31, 2024, named Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and others, alleging retaliation and emotional distress. The smear campaign reportedly tanked her haircare brand, Blake Brown, with sales dropping 56-78%.
Baldoni fired back with two lawsuits of his own. On December 31, he sued the New York Times for $250 million, claiming the outlet used “cherry-picked” texts to defame him. On January 16, 2025, he filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, alleging defamation, civil extortion, and breach of contract. Baldoni’s team, led by attorney Bryan Freedman, claimed:
- Lively orchestrated her own smear campaign to “fix her negative reputation” after backlash over her “tone-deaf” promotional interviews.
- She and Reynolds pressured Baldoni’s agency, WME, to drop him (WME denied this).
- Video footage from the set, released by Baldoni’s team, showed Lively and Baldoni joking during a scene, contradicting her harassment claims.
In June 2025, a federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuits against the New York Times and Lively, calling them an attempt to silence protected speech. Lively also withdrew two claims of emotional distress in June 2025, though she continues to pursue other claims, including sexual harassment and retaliation. The case is set for trial in March 2026.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Picks Sides
The Justin Baldoni Blake Lively drama has divided fans. On X, some users slammed Lively for her promotional interviews, where she encouraged viewers to “grab your florals” and see the film, calling her tone insensitive to the movie’s domestic violence themes. Others, like @oceansjonas, called out Baldoni, saying, “How do you make a movie about domestic violence while sexually harassing your co-star?”
Celebrities have also weighed in:
- Team Blake: Co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, along with America Ferrera, Amy Schumer, and Amber Heard, supported Lively, with Heard calling the smear campaign “horrifying.”
- Team Justin: Political influencer Candace Owens defended Baldoni, arguing he deserves his day in court.
The drama even caught the attention of comedians. At the 2025 DGA Awards, Judd Apatow joked, “To make that much money, you have to sue Blake Lively.” Chelsea Handler also poked fun at the feud, thanking both stars for the “distraction.”
The Impact: What’s Next for It Ends With Us?
The It Ends With Us controversy has cast a shadow over the franchise. A sequel, It Starts With Us, is in development, but questions remain:
- Will Baldoni Return? With the legal battle ongoing, it’s unclear if Baldoni will direct or star in the sequel. Some reports suggest Lively may take a bigger role as producer.
- Fan Backlash: The drama has sparked debates about Hollywood power dynamics, with some accusing Lively of leveraging her and Reynolds’ influence, while others see Baldoni’s actions as retaliatory.
- Industry Fallout: Baldoni was dropped by WME and lost his Voices of Solidarity Award, while Lively canceled an SNL hosting gig due to the smear campaign.
Sony Pictures, the film’s distributor, issued a statement supporting Lively and condemning “reputational attacks.” Colleen Hoover also backed Lively, praising her as “honest, kind, and supportive.”
Lessons from the Chaos
This Blake Lively Justin Baldoni saga isn’t just tabloid fodder—it’s a lesson in Hollywood’s complexities:
- Creative Control Can Clash: Differing visions, like Baldoni’s focus on abuse versus Lively’s romantic approach, can spark major conflicts.
- PR is a Battlefield: Both sides hired top crisis PR firms, showing how reputation management drives modern celebrity feuds.
- Social Media Amplifies Everything: X posts and fan reactions turned this into a global spectacle, proving the power of the internet.
For bloggers, this drama is a goldmine. Write about the lawsuits, analyze the social media frenzy, or dive into It Ends With Us’s themes to engage your USA audience. Just make sure your blog is as captivating as this Hollywood showdown!
Conclusion: A Hollywood Drama Far From Over
The Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively feud has turned It Ends With Us into a cultural lightning rod. With dueling lawsuits, leaked texts, and a 2026 trial looming, this story is far from over. Whether you’re Team Blake, Team Justin, or just here for the tea, one thing’s certain: this controversy has changed how we view the film and its stars.
What’s your take? Do you believe Lively’s harassment claims, or is Baldoni the victim of a smear campaign? Share your thoughts below, and follow our blog for the latest updates on this Hollywood saga. Don’t miss out—subscribe for more entertainment scoops tailored for you
FAQs
1. What started the Justin Baldoni Blake Lively drama?
The feud began during the It Ends With Us promotional tour, with rumors of creative differences and on-set tension. Lively’s lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and a smear campaign by Baldoni, while he claims she defamed him and took control of the film.
2. Is there a confirmed Baldoni lawsuit or Blake Lively lawsuit?
Yes, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024 for sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni countersued Lively and others for $400 million, alleging defamation and extortion. His $250 million suit against the New York Times was dismissed.
3. Will there be an It Ends With Us sequel?
A sequel, It Starts With Us, is in development, but Baldoni’s involvement is uncertain due to the ongoing legal battle.
4. How has the public reacted to the drama?
Fans are split, with some supporting Lively’s claims and others defending Baldoni. Celebrities like Brandon Sklenar and Amy Schumer back Lively, while Candace Owens supports Baldoni.
5. How can I stay updated on the Justin Baldoni Blake Lively drama?
Follow entertainment news on X, Variety, or The Hollywood Reporter for the latest updates.
