Key Points

  • Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s legal battle has rocked Hollywood, with allegations of defamation, harassment, and smear campaigns stemming from their work on *It Ends With Us*. Both have released evidence and countersued, leaving their careers and public images hanging in the balance. The trial is set for 2026, spotlighting issues of accountability and power dynamics in the industry.

The ongoing legal feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has taken Hollywood by storm, raising questions about workplace harassment, smear campaigns, and the ethics of celebrity behavior. This high-stakes battle, involving allegations, counterclaims, and lawsuits, stems from their collaboration on the 2024 film adaptation of It Ends With Us. Let’s break down the key developments, allegations, and what this means for the careers of everyone involved.

The Lawsuits: Allegations and Counterclaims

At the center of this drama are dueling lawsuits. Justin Baldoni has filed a federal lawsuit in New York against Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of defamation, extortion, and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni alleges that Lively falsely accused him of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us and used him as a “scapegoat” to deflect negative press about the film’s troubled production. His legal filing includes text messages, emails, and a timeline of alleged events to support his claims.

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On the other hand, Lively has countersued, accusing Baldoni of workplace harassment, inappropriate behavior, and privacy violations. Her complaint cites several incidents, including claims that Baldoni entered her makeup trailer uninvited, pressured her to lose weight postpartum, and coordinated a public relations campaign to tarnish her reputation. Lively’s legal team also accuses Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, of attempting to sway public opinion through media leaks and a dedicated website releasing private communications.

Evidence Released: Texts, Emails, and Videos

Both sides have released evidence to bolster their arguments. Baldoni’s team published a website sharing text messages, emails, and video footage from the set. One key exchange shows Lively declining to meet with an on-set intimacy coordinator, leaving Baldoni to handle sensitive discussions himself. Baldoni claims this evidence supports his position as a professional collaborator who faced undue backlash.

Lively’s lawyers countered by pointing to a viral video of a slow-dancing scene from the film. In the footage, Baldoni leans close to Lively and comments, “It smells good,” a moment Lively alleges was inappropriate. While Baldoni’s team says the footage shows mutual professionalism, Lively’s lawyers argue it corroborates her discomfort and accusations of boundary violations.

Impact on Careers and Public Perception

The fallout has been severe for both stars. Baldoni claims he has lost three major directing jobs and “hundreds of millions of dollars” due to the allegations. His planned Pac-Man movie project is reportedly on hold. Additionally, Baldoni’s talent agency dropped him, and nonprofit Vital Voices rescinded an award honoring his advocacy for women’s issues.

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Lively, meanwhile, has faced public criticism for her promotion of It Ends With Us. Fans accused her of trivializing the film’s serious themes of domestic abuse by encouraging audiences to “wear florals and grab your friends” for a lighthearted viewing. She has also been targeted online for launching a hair-care line around the same time as the film’s release, though her team clarified that production delays caused the overlap.

Hollywood Divided: Who’s Supporting Whom?

The controversy has divided Hollywood. Celebrities like Amber Heard and Blake Lively’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars have spoken out in support of Lively, condemning the alleged smear campaign. Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends With Us, also backed Lively, calling her “honest and patient” in an Instagram post.

In contrast, some public figures have shown sympathy for Baldoni. Political commentator Candace Owens criticized the rescinding of his Vital Voices award, urging that he deserves “his day in court.” Public opinion remains split, with both stars using media appearances to defend their positions.

What’s Next? Trial Date Set for 2026

The legal battle is far from over. Federal Judge Lewis J. Liman has scheduled a pretrial conference for early February 2025 and set a trial date for March 2026. Lively’s team plans to file a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s lawsuit, while his lawyers continue to assert that they have ample evidence of defamation and professional sabotage.

As both sides prepare for what promises to be a highly publicized trial, the case raises broader questions about accountability, power dynamics in Hollywood, and the role of public relations in shaping narratives.

Takeaways and Broader Implications

The Baldoni-Lively dispute exemplifies the complexities of addressing workplace misconduct in the entertainment industry. It highlights issues such as the ethical use of media campaigns, the impact of accusations on careers, and the challenges of navigating high-profile legal battles in the public eye. For now, both stars face reputational damage and uncertainty about their professional futures.

Share Your Thoughts

What do you think about the ongoing feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively? Do you believe Hollywood is addressing workplace misconduct effectively, or does this case reveal deeper systemic issues?

Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends or on social media. For more in-depth coverage of breaking stories, visit and share content from The Dupree Report.

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