The legal dispute between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has become one of the most high-profile cases in Hollywood, centering around allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and a smear campaign. The case has not only put the two stars at odds but has also raised broader concerns about workplace conduct in the entertainment industry. With lawsuits, counter-lawsuits, and a highly publicized court battle, the controversy surrounding It Ends with Us continues to unfold.
The Allegations: What Sparked the Legal Battle?
Blake Lively’s Claims of Harassment on Set
On December 20, 2024, Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging that Justin Baldoni—who both directed and starred opposite her in It Ends with Us—sexually harassed her during the film’s production.
Her accusations included:
- Unsolicited physical contact: Allegedly, Baldoni improvised a kissing scene without prior discussion.
- Inappropriate comments: Lively claims Baldoni made sexually suggestive remarks on set.
- Creation of a hostile work environment: She described repeated uncomfortable encounters that affected her ability to work.
These allegations emerged after the film had already been completed, but behind-the-scenes tension between Lively and Baldoni had been speculated upon for months.
The New York Times Investigation & Smear Campaign Allegations
Shortly after Lively’s complaint, The New York Times published an investigative report alleging that Baldoni had hired a public relations crisis management team to discredit Lively after she confronted him about his behavior.
Documents subpoenaed by Lively’s legal team reportedly revealed:
- A coordinated effort to smear her reputation across media and social platforms.
- Strategic leaks to the press aimed at painting Lively as difficult to work with.
- Social media manipulation to influence public opinion in Baldoni’s favor.
Following this report, multiple industry figures, including Colleen Hoover (the author of It Ends with Us) and several Hollywood actors, issued statements supporting Lively.
Legal Actions and Counterclaims
Lively’s Lawsuit Against Baldoni
On December 31, 2024, Blake Lively escalated the matter by filing a federal lawsuit against:
- Justin Baldoni
- His production company, Wayfarer Studios
- His public relations team
Her lawsuit formally accused Baldoni of:
- Sexual harassment during filming.
- Launching a retaliatory smear campaign to damage her career.
- Creating a toxic work environment that negatively impacted her ability to perform.
Baldoni’s Counter Lawsuit Against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Their Publicist
On January 16, 2025, Baldoni retaliated with a $400 million lawsuit against:
- Blake Lively
- Her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds
- Their publicist, Leslie Sloan
His lawsuit alleged:
- Defamation: He claimed Lively’s allegations had cost him “hundreds of millions of dollars” in damages.
- Civil extortion: Baldoni argued that Lively and her team deliberately pressured him in an attempt to take control of the film.
- Invasion of privacy: He accused them of leaking private messages and conversations to the media.
Baldoni’s legal team stated that Lively’s complaint was a PR stunt meant to distract from behind-the-scenes creative conflicts over the film.
Public Disclosure of Private Communications
As the legal fight intensified, Baldoni took an unprecedented step in an attempt to clear his name.
February 2, 2025: Baldoni Releases Private Texts and Emails
Baldoni launched a website that contained:
- Private messages between himself, Lively, and Ryan Reynolds.
- Emails and conversations he claimed provided context to their disputes.
- Statements suggesting Lively was controlling and difficult on set.
This move was widely criticized as an invasion of privacy, with many seeing it as a desperate attempt to shift the narrative. Some legal experts also questioned whether sharing private communications could further damage Baldoni’s case.
Lively’s legal team responded by calling the move “a clear attempt at victim-blaming” and demanded the site be taken down.
Industry Fallout and the Role of Intimacy Coordinators
The controversy surrounding It Ends with Us has reignited discussions in Hollywood about the importance of intimacy coordinators—professionals who oversee intimate scenes to ensure actors feel safe and comfortable.
Industry Response: Calls for Better On-Set Protection
- SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, has expressed strong support for Lively and reiterated its push for mandatory intimacy coordinators on film sets.
- Sony Pictures and several Hollywood producers have also spoken out, saying this case demonstrates the need for clearer workplace protections.
- Some actors have come forward with their own experiences, sharing stories of inappropriate on-set behavior and lack of safeguards.
This case is expected to influence future Hollywood policies, ensuring better protections for actors involved in intimate or emotionally intense scenes.
Current Status of the Case & Upcoming Trial
With lawsuits on both sides, the legal battle is far from over.
Key Developments:
- Trial Date Set: March 9, 2026, in Manhattan federal court.
- Judge’s Warning: Judge Lewis J. Liman has ordered both sides to stop making public statements that could influence the jury.
- Potential Early Trial: The judge suggested the trial could happen sooner if public disputes continue.
Neither Lively nor Baldoni attended the most recent court hearing, but their lawyers continue to clash over the case’s handling.
Final Thoughts: A Case That Could Change Hollywood
The Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case is one of the most significant legal battles in recent Hollywood history. It raises important questions about:
- Workplace harassment and accountability on film sets.
- The power of public relations and media manipulation in high-profile cases.
- The need for stronger industry-wide protections for actors.
Regardless of the trial’s outcome, this case is likely to leave a lasting impact on Hollywood’s approach to handling misconduct allegations and workplace disputes.
As we approach the March 2026 trial, the entertainment industry—and the public—will be watching closely to see how this dramatic legal battle unfolds.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and legal filings. All allegations remain unproven in a court of law and should not be interpreted as factual determinations of guilt or innocence. The information provided is for informational and journalistic purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to refer to official court documents and statements from involved parties for the most accurate updates.
