Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, once excited about starring together in the film adaptation of It Ends with Us, have recently found themselves at the centre of a shocking controversy. Months after initial rumours of tension on set, Lively has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging inappropriate behaviour during the making of the movie. This lawsuit has rocked the entertainment world, and fans are now questioning the true story behind the feud and what it means for their careers.
While Lively and Baldoni were once thrilled to work together on It Ends with Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, the reality of their working relationship turned out to be much more complicated. From early excitement to a fallout that has now escalated into a legal battle, here’s a comprehensive timeline of the events that led to Blake Lively’s legal action and the subsequent media storm.
1. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Cast in ‘It Ends with Us’ – January 2023
In January 2023, the casting announcement for It Ends with Us sent waves through the entertainment industry. Blake Lively, known for her iconic role in Gossip Girl, was set to star as Lily Bloom, while Justin Baldoni, also a prominent TV star from Jane the Virgin, was not only cast as Ryle Kincaid but also took on the role of director.
The announcement was met with excitement from fans of the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. Hoover, a major figure in contemporary romance literature, shared her excitement about the casting on Instagram, expressing her trust in both Lively and Baldoni to bring her beloved characters to life. The chemistry between the two actors seemed like the perfect fit for the emotionally charged story, and fans were eager to see their interpretation of Lily and Ryle unfold on screen.
2. Filming Starts, But Tensions Begin to Rise – May 2023
Filming for It Ends with Us began in May 2023 in New Jersey, but soon after, production was halted due to the Writers Guild of America strike. This halted filming for several months, causing delays. This, however, was just the beginning of a series of disruptions.
Tension between Lively and Baldoni, who had been previously praised as the perfect on-screen duo, reportedly began to surface during this time. According to insider reports, there were growing issues on set, with Lively becoming uncomfortable with Baldoni’s behaviour. The sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Lively months later would reveal the extent of these issues, claiming that Baldoni had crossed personal boundaries with her and others involved in the production.
3. The ‘It Ends with Us’ Release and Fallout – August 2024
The film It Ends with Us was eventually released in August 2024. By this time, the relationship between Lively and Baldoni had soured beyond repair. During the press tour, which should have been a celebration of the film, it was apparent that something was amiss. Lively and Baldoni avoided posing together for photos and even participated in interviews separately, which is highly unusual for lead actors in a major film release.
Reports started circulating that the tension between the co-stars had been building for months. There were whispers about Lively feeling “fat-shamed” on set and becoming uncomfortable during intimate scenes with Baldoni. It was alleged that Baldoni made an inappropriate comment about her weight during a scene where he was meant to lift her. These incidents were later addressed in Lively’s lawsuit, which would shock the public by revealing even more troubling behaviour from Baldoni.
4. Blake Lively Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni
A few months after the movie’s release, Blake Lively took legal action against Justin Baldoni, filing a sexual harassment lawsuit that detailed disturbing claims about his behaviour on set. According to the lawsuit, Baldoni made Lively uncomfortable by allowing his friends to watch her film intimate scenes. Furthermore, he allegedly added sexually explicit scenes to the film that Lively had not agreed to, causing distress for the actress.
Lively’s lawsuit also accused Baldoni of sharing explicit images of women on his phone, as well as discussing his past porn addiction in inappropriate contexts on set. Additionally, it was reported that Baldoni “fat-shamed” Lively during filming, particularly during a scene where he was required to pick her up. These claims have sparked outrage, with many calling for greater accountability within the entertainment industry when it comes to protecting actors from harassment and inappropriate conduct.
5. Justin Baldoni’s Response: Denial and Counterclaims
In response to the sexual harassment lawsuit, Justin Baldoni vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “a desperate attempt to fix [Lively’s] negative reputation.” Baldoni, who is married with children, rejected the claims of harassment and suggested that they were rooted in personal tensions between him and Lively.
He also denied any misconduct on set and labelled the lawsuit as a “distortion of the truth.” The actor, who had previously praised Lively during interviews, now found himself facing backlash of his own as the situation escalated. Baldoni’s response has only fueled the media frenzy surrounding the controversy, with many questioning the truth behind the accusations and whether a professional fallout had been misconstrued as something more serious.
6. The Impact on Their Careers and Public Image
The public fallout between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is bound to have significant consequences on their careers. Lively, who is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, has maintained a largely positive image in Hollywood, but the lawsuit and allegations could tarnish her reputation. As for Baldoni, the lawsuit may impact his directorial career and his standing within the industry. The case has already sparked a broader conversation about sexual harassment in Hollywood and the power dynamics on film sets.
With both actors denying the claims and public opinion divided, it remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold. However, one thing is clear: this is a high-profile case that will likely set a precedent for future discussions around misconduct in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
As the sexual harassment lawsuit continues to develop, the future of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s careers remains uncertain. The drama surrounding their fallout on the set of It Ends with Us has overshadowed the film’s success and left fans questioning the true nature of their working relationship.
With both stars standing by their claims, the case is expected to bring attention to important issues within the entertainment industry. Whether it leads to systemic changes in how actors and crew members are treated on set remains to be seen, but this legal battle will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant controversies in recent Hollywood history.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Sexual Harassment in Hollywood: The Legal Battle
- It Ends with Us: What Went Wrong Behind the Scenes
- Blake Lively’s Career in Hollywood
Photo credit: CNN
