What Sparked the Dispute?

On December 20, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and several others involved in the production of It Ends With Us. Her complaint included allegations of sexual harassment, inappropriate behavior, and a smear campaign designed to tarnish her reputation. Baldoni has denied these claims, with his lawyer labeling them “false” and “intentionally salacious.”

Just days later, Baldoni filed his own $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the publication of twisting evidence and presenting a biased narrative about the situation.

Blake Lively’s Legal Team Speaks Out

In a statement released on January 6 to PEOPLE, Lively’s lawyers dismissed the idea that this legal battle is simply a “he said/she said” scenario. “This is not a feud stemming from creative differences,” they said. “It’s about unlawful behavior and retaliation, which we will prove in court.”

They also addressed what they called classic victim-blaming tactics, where the accused party tries to shift blame back onto the victim. “These strategies trivialize serious misconduct,” the statement continued, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the allegations and their supporting evidence.

What Are the Claims?

According to Lively’s complaint, Baldoni’s behavior on set created a hostile work environment. Specific allegations include entering her trailer uninvited, pressuring her into filming intimate scenes without proper preparation, and improvising physical contact without an intimacy coordinator present. These actions, Lively’s team claims, crossed professional boundaries and led to significant discomfort.

Baldoni’s Counterarguments

Baldoni’s legal team has pushed back hard, alleging that Lively’s claims are part of a calculated effort to harm his reputation. His lawyers argue that the accusations lack context and have vowed to release additional evidence to defend his actions. Baldoni’s camp has also hinted at filing a countersuit against Lively, escalating the already intense legal conflict.

As the lawsuits continue to pile up, both sides seem committed to battling it out in court. Lively’s legal team remains confident in the strength of their evidence, while Baldoni’s representatives maintain that the truth will vindicate him.

This public clash is far from over, and with both parties holding firm, Hollywood and fans alike are watching closely. Will the courts provide clarity, or will the drama continue to unfold in the headlines?