What started as behind-the-scenes tension on the set of It Ends With Us has escalated into lawsuits, allegations, and a public relations war. Here’s what we know so far.
The Lawsuit and Justin Baldoni’s Website
Shortly after filing a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Justin Baldoni followed through on his promise to launch a website detailing his claims.
The website includes court documents, a timeline of events, and alleged text messages between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds.
One notable exchange allegedly shows Baldoni expressing his desire to be friends with Reynolds. Reynolds reportedly responded positively, stating, “You’ve been a wonderful collaborator with B, and that means a great deal to both of us.”
He also allegedly praised Baldoni’s dynamic work with Lively, calling the collaboration “incredible.”
Another revelation from the website claims Lively threatened to withhold a Taylor Swift song from the film’s soundtrack unless her conditions were met.
It also alleges she warned that It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover would not promote the movie if she didn’t get her way.
The Origin of the Conflict
Reports of tensions between Lively and Baldoni date back to August 2024, before the film’s premiere. Rumours suggested that Baldoni made the set uncomfortable for Lively and other crew members.
Accusations ranged from alleged fat-shaming remarks directed at Lively to resentment toward Reynolds’ presence on set. These tensions were further fueled when the two were not seen promoting the movie together.
Meanwhile, Lively also faced backlash for promoting her hair care line and beverage company during the film’s promotional campaign, which some critics found inappropriate given the film’s subject matter—intimate partner abuse. Additionally, a resurfaced 2016 interview in which Lively appeared dismissive of fashion-related questions added to the controversy.
Who is Suing Whom?
Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni and Others
Lively was the first to take legal action. On December 20, 2024, she filed an 80-page complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of invasive, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior on set.
Her allegations include unwanted touching, Baldoni entering her makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed, and discussing his personal sexual experiences with another producer.
Lively also accused Baldoni and the studio of orchestrating a smear campaign against her after she and Reynolds confronted him about his alleged behavior.
Justin Baldoni vs. The New York Times
Following Lively’s complaint, The New York Times published an exposé titled, “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine,” which detailed a supposed attempt to tarnish Lively’s reputation.
Baldoni responded by suing the publication for $250 million, accusing it of biased reporting and disregarding evidence that contradicted Lively’s claims.
The New York Times defended its reporting, stating that the article was “meticulously and responsibly reported.”
Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
On January 16, 2025, Baldoni escalated the dispute by filing a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds.
He accused Lively of fabricating sexual harassment claims to damage his career and alleged that the couple manipulated the media to smear him.
Baldoni also claimed they hijacked the film’s marketing strategy, undermining his authority as director.
The Public Relations Battle
Both sides have actively tried to sway public opinion. Baldoni’s team released a 10-minute behind-the-scenes video showing a slow-dancing scene between him and Lively.
Lively had previously accused him of inappropriately dragging his lips down her neck during the scene. However, in the footage, they appear to be interacting professionally, with Lively even joking about Baldoni’s beard and her spray tan.
Lively’s team responded by saying that “any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort.”
Additionally, Baldoni’s team released a seven-minute audio recording in which he apologizes to Lively for not handling her script changes better.
He describes himself as “a very flawed man” and acknowledges that her suggestions “would make the movie sing.” His team argues this recording portrays him as respectful and collaborative, countering claims of hostility.
Crisis PR expert Tieja MacLaughlin noted that Baldoni’s team has been proactive, giving them an advantage in controlling the narrative.
She observed that Lively’s team has mostly been reactive, which weakens their ability to shape public perception effectively.
The Legal Challenges Ahead
Legal experts suggest that both sides face significant hurdles in their cases.
For Lively, proving sexual harassment in court may be difficult, especially given the “severe and pervasive” legal standard required for such claims.
Baldoni’s team may use the behind-the-scenes video to argue that their interactions were consensual and professional.
For Baldoni, his defamation lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds might struggle against the litigation privilege—a legal protection that shields individuals from defamation claims when making allegations in an official lawsuit.
Similarly, his case against The New York Times could be challenging since public figures must prove actual malice—that the publication knowingly reported false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
What’s Next?
A New York judge has set a trial date for March 2026, meaning the legal battle is far from over. Meanwhile, both parties continue to fight for public support, releasing evidence and statements that paint opposing narratives.
As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: this legal battle is not just being fought in the courtroom—it’s also being waged in the court of public opinion.
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