In a whirlwind of events surrounding the highly anticipated film adaptation of "It Ends With Us," tensions have escalated between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. In 2019, Baldoni announced his plans to adapt the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover into a film, garnering much attention and excitement. However, the project took a dramatic turn when Lively, cast as the main character Lily Bloom, filed a legal complaint against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. This revelation sent shockwaves through the industry, leading to a flurry of statements, denials, and legal actions.
Blake Lively's casting as Lily Bloom was met with widespread acclaim from fans and the book's author, Colleen Hoover. During the film's press tour, Hoover praised Lively as "honest, kind, supportive and patient." However, the tour faced criticism for being "tone-deaf," with Lively and Baldoni avoiding joint appearances on the red carpet or interviews together. In response to the growing media attention, Baldoni hired crisis manager Melissa Nathan to manage the situation, but tensions only worsened.
"We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine" – New York Times
The release of the film's trailer sparked debate on TikTok. Some users criticized the portrayal of the story as a love tale rather than highlighting its core theme of an abusive relationship, which is central to Hoover's novel. Amidst this controversy, a group of cast members, including America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, issued a joint statement supporting Lively after she filed her complaint.
Lively's legal complaint against Baldoni alleged that he and his team attacked her public image following a meeting in January. This meeting, attended by Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and other producers and directors, resulted in a list of demands. These included no more descriptions of genitalia and allowing friends on set during scenes of nudity. Lively's legal team described these revelations as "another chapter in the abuser playbook."
"another chapter in the abuser playbook" – Lively's legal team
Baldoni and his team vehemently denied all allegations. Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, claimed that Lively had spread "grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media."
"grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media" – Bryan Freedman (Justin Baldoni's lawyer)
The film itself received mixed reactions, with The Telegraph's Tim Robey giving it a two-star review, labeling it a "queasy drama" that "repackages domestic violence as slick romance." Despite criticism, Lively encouraged audiences to watch the film with friends and embrace its themes.
"Grab your friends, wear your florals and head out to see it" – Blake Lively
In December 2022, Justin Baldoni was awarded a women's solidarity honor by Vital Voices. However, this accolade did little to quell the mounting tension between him and Lively. The allegations against Baldoni have led him to file a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her team for civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
As the saga continues to unfold, other cast members have come forward in defense of Lively. Brandon Sklenar stated that people had been "vilifying" her online amidst the controversy. These unfolding events highlight the complexities and challenges within Hollywood's intricate web of relationships and power dynamics.
"you are so much more than just a survivor or just a victim" – Blake Lively
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