Allegations, counterclaims, and a high-stakes courtroom showdown—inside the Hollywood feud that’s captivating the entertainment world.

A Blockbuster Turned Battleground

April 15, 2025: What began as a promising adaptation of Colleen Hoover‘s bestselling novel It Ends With Us has devolved into a contentious legal dispute between its lead actress, Blake Lively, and director-co-star, Justin Baldoni. The film, which garnered significant attention upon its release in 2024, is now overshadowed by allegations of misconduct, creative clashes, and a series of lawsuits that have entangled other high-profile figures.​

t Ends With Us is an adaptation of Coleen Hoover’s bestselling book. (Nicole Rivelli/Sony Pictures via AP)

The Genesis of the Dispute

In December 2024, Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during the film’s production. She further alleged that Baldoni, along with his production company Wayfarer Studios, engaged in a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. Baldoni has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that Lively’s accusations are unfounded and part of a calculated effort to assume greater creative control over the project.​

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Escalation and Counterclaims

The situation intensified when Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, alleging defamation, civil extortion, and invasion of privacy. He contends that the trio orchestrated a campaign to damage his career and exclude him from the film’s post-production process. Lively’s legal team has moved to dismiss the countersuit, citing protections under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which safeguards individuals from lawsuits that aim to silence them on matters of public interest.​

Divided Loyalties and Public Reactions

The entertainment industry and public opinion are sharply divided. Some crew members from It Ends With Us have come forward in support of Baldoni, praising his professionalism and disputing Lively’s allegations. Conversely, Lively has received backing from author Colleen Hoover and several co-stars, who commend her courage in speaking out. Adding to the controversy, Amazon’s Prime Video recently disabled comments on the trailer for Lively’s upcoming film Another Simple Favor, a move interpreted as an attempt to shield her from online backlash.

IT ENDS WITH US- Amazon Prime

​

A Trial Looms on the Horizon

With a trial date set for March 2026, both parties are preparing for a protracted legal battle that promises to reveal more about the inner workings of Hollywood productions and the complexities of power dynamics on set. As the case unfolds, it continues to captivate audiences and industry insiders alike, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges and controversies that can arise behind the scenes of major film projects.​