Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: The Hollywood Feud No One Saw Coming

From on-screen magic to off-screen mayhem—how did Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni go from collaborators to courtroom rivals?

STAFF

Justin Baldoni in It Ends With Us. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—two names you wouldn't expect to see in a legal showdown—are now embroiled in a dispute that's shaking Hollywood. The clash centres on allegations of sexual harassment and defamation stemming from their collaboration on the film It Ends with Us.

In December 2024, the New York Times reported that Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment through inappropriate comments and actions during the film's production. She also alleged that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her in retaliation for speaking out.

Baldoni fired back with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging defamation, extortion and invasion of privacy. He claimed that Lively's accusations were part of a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation and derail his career.

Lively maintains that her actions were aimed at addressing legitimate workplace grievances and ensuring a safe environment. Baldoni, on the other hand, argues that the allegations are baseless and have caused him significant personal and professional harm, including financial strain.

Fans are divided, with some supporting Lively's stance on workplace safety and others siding with Baldoni, questioning the timing and motives behind the allegations.

Despite the legal turmoil, both stars are pressing on with their careers. Lively's film Another Simple Favor is set to premiere at SXSW 2025, while Baldoni continues his work with Wayfarer Studios.

Stay tuned as this legal drama unfolds.