What began as a promising adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel has erupted into a $400 million legal battle that has shocked Hollywood. Blake Lively has filed serious sexual harassment claims against her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni, who has now countersued for defamation and extortion, demanding a staggering $400 million in damages.
Explosive Allegations
According to court documents, Lively has accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior on set, including unwanted kisses during filming and making sexual comments. One particularly disturbing allegation claims Baldoni watched Lively undressed in her trailer while asking her not to turn around.
More troubling still, Lively claims these incidents occurred shortly after she had given birth to her fourth child, alleging Baldoni mocked her weight during this vulnerable time.
The Financial Stakes
The lawsuit’s financial implications are massive. “It Ends With Us” was a box office success, earning over $350 million worldwide on a modest $25 million budget. In France alone, the film drew 1.3 million viewers.
Now, Baldoni’s counterclaim seeks $400 million in damages from Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, who is also named in the lawsuit. Through his attorney Bryan Freedman, Baldoni claims to have “overwhelming authentic evidence detailing Blake Lively and her team’s attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team, and their respective companies by spreading grossly manipulated, unfounded, and fabricated information to the media.”
A Hollywood Power Couple Under Fire
This legal battle places Lively and Reynolds, one of Hollywood’s most powerful couples, in a precarious position. Reynolds is specifically named in Baldoni’s countersuit, suggesting the actor may have played a role in what Baldoni’s team characterizes as a “smear campaign.”
Industry insiders note that the timing is particularly challenging for Lively, who has been expanding her business ventures beyond acting with companies like Betty Buzz, while maintaining her status as a fashion icon and influential Hollywood producer.
The Devastating Impact on “It Ends With Us”
The film, which deals with the sensitive subject of domestic violence, has now become entangled in its own real-world controversy. The bitter irony isn’t lost on observers: a project meant to shed light on abuse has devolved into mutual accusations of misconduct between its star and director.
The New York Times investigation that initially revealed details of Lively’s complaint has triggered what appears to be an unstoppable legal avalanche, with Baldoni also filing a separate $250 million lawsuit against the newspaper.
What Happens Next?
Legal experts predict a lengthy and contentious court battle. “With allegations this serious and damages this high, neither party is likely to back down,” notes entertainment attorney Samantha Richards. “The evidence Baldoni claims to possess will be crucial in determining how this plays out.”
For both parties, the stakes extend far beyond money. Reputations, future projects, and entire business empires hang in the balance as Hollywood watches this explosive legal drama unfold.
Whatever the outcome, the controversy has forever changed how audiences will view “It Ends With Us,” transforming a film about trauma and resilience into a symbol of Hollywood’s own behind-the-scenes conflicts.