$600M Legal Firestorm: Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni—Texts, Smear Campaigns, and a Divided Industry

The success of It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was undeniable. Grossing nearly $350 million worldwide, the film seemed poised to be a major cultural touchstone. However, the success of the movie has been overshadowed by a bitter off-screen conflict between Blake Lively, who starred in and produced the film, and its director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. Allegations of misconduct, legal disputes, and public smears have left the entertainment industry divided, with many in Hollywood firmly backing Lively in her fight for justice.

Blake Lively’s Allegations of Misconduct

In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a legal complaint that accused Baldoni of repeated sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior during the production of It Ends With Us. Lively claimed that Baldoni violated her physical boundaries and made sexually inappropriate remarks throughout filming. In the complaint, Lively also alleged a retaliatory smear campaign, wherein private messages appeared to show a deliberate PR effort to damage her reputation, including a disturbing comment from crisis PR expert Melissa Nathan suggesting, “He wants to feel like she can be buried.”

Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni’s production company, responded to the allegations during filming by taking certain steps to ensure Lively’s safety and well-being. A full-time intimacy coordinator was assigned to the set, an outside producer was brought in, and Lively’s contract included a clause explicitly prohibiting retaliation. Despite these measures, the allegations have cast a shadow over the film’s success and left Lively’s public image tainted by the accusations.

Justin Baldoni’s Counterclaims and Legal Action

Baldoni has vehemently denied Lively’s allegations, taking legal action against her and other individuals involved in the case. In February 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist, Leslie Sloane. He also filed a separate $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for publishing Lively’s story. In an attempt to clear his name, Baldoni released private text messages between him and Lively, claiming that they disproved the harassment claims and portrayed their interactions as respectful and professional.

Baldoni further alleged that Lively had edited the texts in her complaint, which included a PR executive allegedly calling Lively a derogatory term. Baldoni also disputed claims that he had fat-shamed Lively during the filming of a specific scene and claimed that his difficulties with intimacy scenes were due to the environment on set, which he described as “shrouded by fear.” These counterclaims have sparked further controversy, as both sides present evidence and attempt to sway public opinion in their favor.

Hollywood’s Strong Support for Blake Lively

In the midst of the ongoing legal battle, Blake Lively has found support from numerous figures in Hollywood, many of whom have publicly condemned the accusations against her. Lively’s colleagues have rallied around her, praising her professionalism, kindness, and character. Colleen Hoover, the author of the It Ends With Us novel, expressed her admiration for Lively, calling her “honest, kind, supportive, and patient,” and thanked her for being “exactly the human that you are.” Director Paul Feig also voiced his support, calling the accusations against Lively “a smear campaign” and praising her as “professional, creative, collaborative, talented, and kind.”

Additionally, friends and fellow actors like Jenny Slate and America Ferrera have spoken out in defense of Lively, condemning the alleged smear efforts and expressing admiration for her courage. Slate, in particular, described the attack on Lively’s reputation as “terribly dark, disturbing and wholly threatening,” emphasizing the bravery Lively has shown in standing up for herself. Other long-time friends of Lively, including Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, and Ferrera, also issued a joint statement condemning the alleged campaign against her.

Amber Heard, no stranger to public controversy, also weighed in on the situation, warning against the spread of online disinformation and referencing Baldoni’s use of the same crisis PR firm that represented Johnny Depp during his highly publicized legal battles. Heard referred to the situation as “horrifying as it is destructive,” further fueling the public discourse around the case.

Lively’s Stance and Personal Motivation

Amidst the swirling accusations and legal disputes, Blake Lively has remained resolute in her pursuit of justice. In a recent interview, she expressed no regrets about suing Baldoni, explaining that she could not live with herself if she did not stand up for what she believed was wrong. Lively emphasized that her decision was not impulsive, but rather something she had spent months considering. As a mother of three, Lively said she was motivated by a desire to set an example for her daughters, showing them that it is important to speak out against injustice.

Lively’s personal motivation for pursuing the lawsuit adds a deeper layer to the conflict, revealing her commitment to standing up for herself and her values, even in the face of significant backlash.

Public and Legal Controversy

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has sparked intense public debate, with both sides presenting compelling arguments and evidence. Online discussions, such as those seen on Reddit and in opinion pieces, have polarized public opinion, with some comparing Lively to Amber Heard, while others view her as a victim of an unjust smear campaign. One opinion piece referred to the conflict as a “he-said, she-said” battle, underscoring the complexity and lack of consensus in how the allegations are being perceived by the public.

In February 2025, Baldoni made the decision to drop his California lawsuit, signaling a shift in his legal strategy and leaving the case open to further developments. With both sides continuing to fight for their reputations and futures, the legal dispute is far from over.

The Road Ahead for Lively and Baldoni

As the case continues to unfold, Blake Lively’s resolve and the overwhelming support she has received from Hollywood figures stand as a testament to her character. Despite the controversy surrounding It Ends With Us, Lively remains focused on her principles, driven by a desire to protect her integrity and set an example for future generations. As the legal proceedings play out, it’s clear that this battle will continue to captivate both the public and the industry, raising important questions about accountability, power dynamics, and the treatment of women in Hollywood.

Ultimately, the outcome of this legal saga will likely define not just Lively and Baldoni’s careers, but also the broader conversation about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.