Creative differences between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have led to a dramatic legal battle surrounding the film It Ends With Us, with accusations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign making headlines in late 2024. The movie, which premiered in theaters earlier this year, has sparked controversy over its production process, with two conflicting versions of the film—one overseen by Baldoni and another led by Lively—at the center of the dispute.
Lively filed a formal complaint on Dec. 20, 2024, accusing Baldoni and his associates of sexual harassment and a smear campaign following their time working together on the movie. Baldoni denied the claims and retaliated with a lawsuit against The New York Times on Dec. 31, disputing its coverage of the allegations. The outlet has vowed to “vigorously” defend itself against Baldoni’s lawsuit.
As the legal drama intensifies, Lively has also filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni and the film’s producers, with plans for Baldoni’s legal team to counter-sue Lively and her representatives.
Two Competing Versions of the Film
It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, began its journey to the big screen in 2019 when Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, obtained the rights to adapt the book. Lively was initially reported to be involved as an executive producer when her casting was announced in January 2023.
However, tensions reportedly surfaced during production over the final edit of the film. According to Baldoni’s lawsuit, two versions of the film were created: one that was directed and edited by Baldoni and another led by Lively, who eventually received a producer credit on the final cut. Baldoni’s legal team claims that Lively threatened to boycott promoting the film unless her version was selected, which led to a focus group test of the two competing cuts. Baldoni’s version reportedly tested “significantly higher,” according to his complaint.
Despite the test results, Lively allegedly told those involved that author Colleen Hoover would support her version if it wasn’t chosen. Baldoni claims that Lively ultimately succeeded in having him removed from all promotional artwork, including movie posters, and stripped of his “A Film By” credit.
Lively’s Role in the Final Cut
Throughout the promotion of It Ends With Us, Lively made it clear that she was heavily involved in the film’s creation. In interviews, she boasted about her contributions beyond her acting role, including helping to select costumes, influence the soundtrack, and even having her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, contribute dialogue to a key scene. Lively expressed immense pride in her first producer credit for the project, claiming that her efforts in shaping the film went far beyond the typical role of an actress.
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“I felt so grateful to have that level of authorship and involvement,” Lively said in an interview with Digital Spy in August 2024. “It makes me that much more proud of the film.”
When PEOPLE offered a first look at the film in April 2024, Baldoni similarly praised Lively’s contributions, stating, “There wasn’t a part of this production that Blake didn’t touch and have influence on. And everything she put her hands on and her mind to, she made better.”
Controversial Allegations Over Film’s Content
Lively’s legal complaint also contains explosive allegations about the film’s content, particularly involving scenes that were allegedly added by Baldoni without prior approval. According to Lively’s filing, Baldoni filmed a graphic scene involving the character of young Lily, played by a younger actress, which was not part of the original script or book. The scene in question reportedly depicted Lily losing her virginity in explicit detail, including dialogue and a simulated sex act. Lively claims that Baldoni filmed and included a close-up shot of the character’s face, accompanied by an audible gasp during the scene.
Additionally, Lively alleges that Baldoni added another explicit scene where her character, as an adult, was filmed having an orgasm on camera. Lively objected to these scenes, but according to her complaint, Baldoni insisted he was making the film “through the female gaze.” Baldoni later agreed to remove the scenes after Lively voiced her objections.
Industry Support and Legal Repercussions
In the wake of the allegations, several members of the It Ends With Us cast have expressed support for Lively. Author Colleen Hoover, along with co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, have publicly backed Lively, with Slate calling her a “leader” and praising her bravery.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Lively’s lawyers have responded to Baldoni’s lawsuit, asserting that his claims in The New York Times article do not alter the validity of Lively’s accusations. “We look forward to addressing each and every one of Wayfarer’s allegations in court,” Lively’s legal team stated in a public statement.
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Meanwhile, Baldoni’s lawyers have vowed to release “every single text message” between the two parties as part of their defense, stating that they want the public to form their own judgment based on the evidence.
Looking Ahead
The legal disputes surrounding It Ends With Us come as the film continues to make waves at the box office. Despite the behind-the-scenes controversy, the movie has become Lively’s highest-grossing film to date. In a red carpet interview following the film’s New York City premiere in August 2024, Baldoni was asked about a potential sequel, teasing that Lively might be the right person to direct the follow-up.
As the lawsuits continue to unfold, all eyes are on the courtroom to determine the outcome of what has become one of Hollywood’s most high-profile disputes in recent memory.
