Colleen Hoover’s Instagram account has made significant changes, seemingly severing ties with both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively amid an escalating legal battle. The author of “It Ends With Us” recently revisited her social media after a hiatus, during which tension between the film’s director and star came to light. In a prior Instagram story, Hoover praised Lively, referring to her as “nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met,” but refrained from addressing the serious allegations against Baldoni regarding sexual harassment and “astroturfing.”
Hoover had deactivated her account in December, likely in response to the growing discord publicized following the film adaptation of her best-selling novel. Now that she has returned, she feels it’s necessary to create distance from the conflict by removing nearly all posts that feature Lively and Baldoni.
Despite the noticeable changes, Hoover’s account continues to showcase content related to her works, including the film version of “It Ends With Us,” which premiered in August 2024. Posts celebrating the casting of actors such as Jenny Slate and Brandon Sklenar remain visible, indicating a focus on the project beyond its lead actors. Hoover still follows Lively on the platform, but Baldoni is no longer in her circle of followers.
Hints of the previous collaboration linger in Hoover’s depth of content. A post from July celebrated the film’s release date, prominently displaying a split image of Baldoni and Lively from a “Hollywood Reporter” article. Another previous post features a video highlighting a meeting between Hoover, Baldoni, and a group of loyal fans of the book.
The backdrop of this drama is significant, as Lively has publicly accused Baldoni of more than just professional breakdowns. A recent New York Times report revealed that she alleged Baldoni not only harassed her but also attempted to orchestrate a smear campaign against her. Lively took it a step further, filing a lawsuit that details these claims. In response, Baldoni initiated his own legal action, suggesting that Lively was fabricating these allegations to gain creative control over the film and safeguard her reputation amid the turbulence.
Lawyers representing Lively indicated that they intend to file an amended complaint soon, potentially within the week, with a trial date set for March 9. This development unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions that, while initially obscured, are now a focal point of media attention.
When contacted in August, prior to the public revelations of this rift, Hoover shared her thoughts on the film adaptation, expressing satisfaction with how it was condensed. She stated, “I think they did such a good job condensing this book into a film that I’m very happy with this adaptation,” while complimenting both leading actors for their collaborative efforts. It’s clear that the current legal battle, particularly involving Blake Lively, has overshadowed what was once a celebrated project.
