Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal drama erupted publicly in December 2024, although tensions had been simmering since their collaboration on the film It Ends With Us, released in the summer of 2024. The two actors played the lead roles and Baldoni also took on the responsibilities as executive producer and director. Following the film’s premiere, Lively filed a complaint against Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, and the Wayfarer Studios production company, as well as its co-founder Steve Sarowitz. She accused them of sexual harassment and alleged there was a retaliatory campaign aimed at damaging her reputation. Additionally, she named independent contractor Jeb Wallace and publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, who she claimed were responsible for the smear campaign. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, strongly denied Lively’s allegations.
Legal battles ensued with Baldoni filing a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for purported libel regarding their investigative story into Lively’s claims, which the outlet denied. This escalated to another lawsuit from Baldoni for $400 million against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane’s PR firm Vision PR, Inc., accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. Lively’s lawyers responded by categorizing Baldoni’s lawsuit as “another chapter in the abuser playbook.” The stage was set for a court showdown, with a trial scheduled for March 9, 2026. Below is a detailed timeline of events leading up to this moment.
Initial Collaboration and Production Delays
The partnership between Lively and Baldoni was highly anticipated when they were announced as co-leads for the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. Hoover expressed her excitement, stating, “Our Lily is going to be played by Blake Lively. She’s my dream Lily.” Baldoni reposted Hoover’s announcement, echoing the enthusiasm with, “Here we go!!!!”
Filming began on May 5, 2023, in Hoboken, New Jersey, capturing Lively in costume. However, the production faced interruptions due to a writer’s strike, causing a pause within a month of starting. The team resumed filming in early 2024, but the release date was postponed from February to August of that year.
Rumors of a Feud
Speculation around a rift began circulating when Baldoni appeared to avoid joint promotional activities with Lively and the rest of the cast during the press tour. The rumors intensified during the film’s New York premiere on August 6, 2024. While Lively posed with her co-stars, Baldoni chose to walk the red carpet with his family instead. He did not introduce the film, leaving Lively and Hoover to take the lead.
Amidst the success of It Ends With Us, which grossed over $50 million in its opening weekend and was Lively’s highest-grossing project by its third week, Baldoni engaged crisis public relations manager Nathan. This move hinted at tensions behind the scenes, contrary to the film’s achievements.
Legal Complaints Filed
The situation escalated significantly when Lively filed her complaint on December 20, 2024, making serious accusations against Baldoni. She claimed he exhibited “disturbing” and “unprofessional” behavior, contributing to a hostile work environment that subsequently caused her “grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety.” Lively described several incidents, including Baldoni allegedly entering her trailer uninvited while she was breastfeeding and making inappropriate comments.
Baldoni’s representation responded firmly, stating they were merely reacting to media inquiries to ensure factual reporting. The The New York Times published an investigative piece detailing the allegations the following day, complicating Baldoni’s public image as his talent agency dropped him as a client.
Legal Counteractions and Escalation
In response to Lively’s complaints, Baldoni filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times on December 31, 2024, contending the publication had misrepresented communications for sensationalism. He claimed that he was “invited” to Lively’s trailer, providing what he contended was evidence of an exchange that suggested otherwise.
Simultaneously, Lively’s legal representation also filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in New York City after the initial California complaint. Tensions rose higher as Baldoni included claims in his lawsuit accusing Lively of not understanding the source material of the film, suggesting she made poor creative decisions resulting from her lack of knowledge.
Public Fallout and Social Impact
Baldoni’s legal moves against Lively drew significant media attention, leading to public backlash and concerns over the safety of individuals connected to the legal drama. Publicists Nathan and Abel, involved in the case, reported receiving death threats as a result of the allegations.
Lively’s camp criticized Baldoni’s approach, labeling his legal actions as a “desperate” attack against a woman and proclaiming that they would ultimately fail.
Conflicting Narratives and Media Leaks
As the legal battles progressed, both sides attempted to control the narrative surrounding their contentious relationship. Baldoni’s team released behind-the-scenes footage from It Ends With Us which contradicted some of Lively’s claims, presenting a glimpse into their interactions on set. In a dramatic twist, leaked videos purportedly depicted Lively and Baldoni in moments of lighthearted banter, raising questions about the authenticity of the allegations made.
Judge Lewis J. Liman aimed to oversee the proceedings closely, indicating both parties to refrain from litigating matters publicly or else the trial could be expedited. Lively was reportedly maintaining composure amidst the chaos, focusing on her family while engaged with her legal team.
Looking Ahead
With a trial date set for March 9, 2026, both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are bracing for significant legal confrontations ahead. The implications of this drama extend beyond the courtroom, affecting their careers and personal lives as public figures, and may reshape perceptions of workplace conduct within the entertainment industry. As they navigate these turbulent waters, the resolution of this feud remains uncertain, leaving fans and critics on edge.
