The controversy surrounding It Ends With Us, a romantic drama released in August, has taken a dramatic turn as actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively find themselves embroiled in a public legal dispute. Allegations of inappropriate behavior on set and countersuits have put the production under scrutiny. Below is a breakdown of the case and its key developments.
Blake Lively’s Lawsuit: Allegations of Misconduct
On December 31, Blake Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court against her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. Among her claims, she detailed an incident that allegedly occurred during the filming of a slow-dancing scene intended to depict romantic intimacy between their characters.
According to Lively’s legal documents, Baldoni leaned in during the scene, ran his lips from her ear to her neck, and commented, “It smells so good.” Lively’s team noted that no sound was recorded during the shoot, as the sequence was designed to feature a music overlay.
Justin Baldoni’s Response: Footage Release Sparks Debate
In an effort to refute Lively’s allegations, Baldoni released a 10-minute video of the scene, which included audio of the actors interacting. His legal team stated that the video proved both performers were maintaining professionalism and acting within the scope of the scene.
“The scene was crafted to depict the characters falling in love and longing for connection. Both actors acted with mutual respect and professionalism,” Baldoni’s attorneys said in a statement.
In the footage, Lively is heard suggesting that adding dialogue to the scene would enhance its romantic tone. Their light-hearted conversation included jokes about Baldoni’s beard, Lively’s spray tan, and even playful comments about the size of Baldoni’s nose.
Lively’s Legal Team: “The Video Supports Our Claims”
Lively’s attorneys were quick to respond to the footage, claiming it aligned with her account of events. In a statement, they said, “The video supports Ms. Lively’s allegations. It shows Baldoni engaging in physical contact without prior discussion or consent, such as kissing her forehead and rubbing his face on her neck.”
They emphasized that Lively’s attempts to lean away and use humor to deflect Baldoni’s behavior demonstrated discomfort. Her legal team also criticized the release of the footage to the media, calling it an “unethical attempt to manipulate public perception” and a continuation of harassment.
The Counterclaims: Baldoni’s Lawsuit Against Lively and Reynolds
In mid-January, Justin Baldoni filed a $644 million federal countersuit against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of extortion and defamation. He claimed that Lively overstepped her contractual boundaries, demanding creative control over her character’s wardrobe and other aspects of the production.
Baldoni also alleged that Lively used her friendship with Taylor Swift, a godparent to her children, to influence the production. He recounted a meeting at Lively’s New York penthouse, where Swift and Reynolds praised her script revisions. Baldoni later texted Lively about the changes but stated he felt pressured by her “powerful allies.”
Initial Complaint: Lively’s Workplace Harassment Concerns
Before filing her federal lawsuit, Lively lodged a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20. Her complaint, detailed in a New York Times article, alleged harassment, retaliation, and workplace safety violations.
Lively’s legal team accused Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer, of orchestrating a smear campaign in retaliation for her speaking out. “Ms. Lively’s decision to address workplace safety concerns has resulted in further attacks. The defendants must now answer for their actions in federal court,” her lawyer stated.
Legal Backlash Against The New York Times
Adding another layer to the controversy, Baldoni and nine others associated with It Ends With Us filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. The complaint accused the publication of libel, false light invasion of privacy, and promissory fraud in its reporting of the allegations.
Baldoni’s legal team provided text messages and evidence in their rebuttal, aiming to dispute the claims outlined in the 4,000-word article.
Conclusion: A Complex Legal Saga Unfolds
The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to evolve, with both sides presenting evidence to support their claims. While Lively maintains her allegations of misconduct, Baldoni insists his actions were professional and in line with the film’s narrative.