The romantic drama "It Ends With Us," adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestseller, may have been a box office success, grossing $351 million worldwide, but its stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, are now embroiled in a contentious legal battle that sheds light on tensions behind the scenes. Their lawsuits, filed on New Year’s Eve, reveal a series of allegations and counterclaims that have gripped Hollywood.
Blake Lively’s Allegations
In her federal lawsuit, Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of inappropriate behavior, including walking uninvited into her dressing room while she was undressed and breastfeeding her son. These claims echo a prior complaint she filed in California. Lively also alleges Baldoni engaged in weight-shaming by contacting her trainer to discuss her weight for a scene, under the guise of ensuring safety due to his back issues.
Her lawsuit also details Baldoni’s alleged involvement in a smear campaign, accusing him of hiring a crisis firm to tarnish her reputation after she raised concerns about his on-set behavior. Texts cited in The New York Times’ investigation purportedly show Baldoni conspiring to "bury" Lively professionally.
Justin Baldoni’s Defense
Baldoni denies the accusations, claiming his actions were misrepresented or taken out of context. He refutes Lively’s claim about entering her dressing room, pointing to messages suggesting she had invited him to discuss lines while she was pumping. Regarding the weight-related allegations, Baldoni argues his inquiry was purely for safety during a lifting scene, and any offense was unintentional.
In his lawsuit, Baldoni also accuses The New York Times of libel, claiming the publication manipulated text messages to craft a false narrative. He alleges Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, used their influence to isolate and undermine him professionally, even pressuring his agency, WME, to sever ties with him.
The Fallout
The off-screen drama extended to the film's premiere, where Baldoni claims he and his team were sidelined, banned from the main event’s after-party, and forced to organize a separate gathering. Baldoni alleges these actions were part of a broader effort by Lively and Reynolds to damage his career.
A Divided Industry
The legal dispute has divided public opinion and Hollywood insiders alike. While some see Lively’s allegations as a courageous stand against workplace misconduct, others view Baldoni’s countersuit as a necessary defense against reputational damage. The truth, for now, lies in the courts, as both actors continue to present their cases.
As this legal drama unfolds, the controversy surrounding "It Ends With Us" has shifted the spotlight from its cinematic success to the deeper, unresolved conflicts behind the scenes.
Behind the Scenes of “It Ends With Us”: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Legal Battle Unfolds
The romantic drama "It Ends With Us," adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestseller, may have been a box office success, grossing $351 million worldwide, but its stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, are now embroiled in a contentious legal battle that sheds light on tensions behind the scenes. Their lawsuits, filed on New Year’s Eve, reveal a series of allegations and counterclaims that have gripped Hollywood.
Blake Lively’s Allegations
In her federal lawsuit, Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of inappropriate behavior, including walking uninvited into her dressing room while she was undressed and breastfeeding her son. These claims echo a prior complaint she filed in California. Lively also alleges Baldoni engaged in weight-shaming by contacting her trainer to discuss her weight for a scene, under the guise of ensuring safety due to his back issues.
Her lawsuit also details Baldoni’s alleged involvement in a smear campaign, accusing him of hiring a crisis firm to tarnish her reputation after she raised concerns about his on-set behavior. Texts cited in The New York Times’ investigation purportedly show Baldoni conspiring to "bury" Lively professionally.
Justin Baldoni’s Defense
Baldoni denies the accusations, claiming his actions were misrepresented or taken out of context. He refutes Lively’s claim about entering her dressing room, pointing to messages suggesting she had invited him to discuss lines while she was pumping. Regarding the weight-related allegations, Baldoni argues his inquiry was purely for safety during a lifting scene, and any offense was unintentional.
In his lawsuit, Baldoni also accuses The New York Times of libel, claiming the publication manipulated text messages to craft a false narrative. He alleges Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, used their influence to isolate and undermine him professionally, even pressuring his agency, WME, to sever ties with him.
The Fallout
The off-screen drama extended to the film's premiere, where Baldoni claims he and his team were sidelined, banned from the main event’s after-party, and forced to organize a separate gathering. Baldoni alleges these actions were part of a broader effort by Lively and Reynolds to damage his career.
A Divided Industry
The legal dispute has divided public opinion and Hollywood insiders alike. While some see Lively’s allegations as a courageous stand against workplace misconduct, others view Baldoni’s countersuit as a necessary defense against reputational damage. The truth, for now, lies in the courts, as both actors continue to present their cases.
As this legal drama unfolds, the controversy surrounding "It Ends With Us" has shifted the spotlight from its cinematic success to the deeper, unresolved conflicts behind the scenes.
0 Comments