The production of ‘It Ends With Us’ has become a hotbed of controversy, with Justin Baldoni alleging that Ryan Reynolds wanted to “accumulate power” over the film by manipulating interactions between Blake Lively and Baldoni into claims of sexual harassment. This legal entanglement has drawn significant attention, intertwining the lives and careers of these prominent figures.
The turmoil began when Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint with California’s Civil Rights department on December 20, 2024, against her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. Lively accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment through inappropriate comments and actions during the film’s production.
In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane. Baldoni’s legal team contends that Reynolds and Lively exploited the situation to coerce Wayfarer Studios into granting them undue power and authority over the film’s production.
Baldoni’s opposition filing asserts that Reynolds and Lively, along with Sloane, engaged in a coordinated effort to exaggerate benign interactions, crafting a false narrative that Lively had been sexually harassed. This strategy, according to Baldoni, was designed to instill fear in Wayfarer Studios and leverage it to accumulate power.
The legal battle has seen multiple lawsuits. Baldoni sued The New York Times for $250 million, accusing the publication of pushing a false narrative based on Lively’s claims. Lively, in turn, filed a federal lawsuit against Baldoni, reiterating her allegations and accusing him of orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
Adding another layer, Baldoni’s legal team claims that Reynolds’ character “Nicepool” in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ was modeled after Baldoni, citing similarities in hairstyle and jokes referencing their feud.
Despite the escalating legal disputes, Lively has been seen engaging in public activities, such as working behind the counter at a Connecticut donut shop, indicating her attempt to maintain normalcy amid the controversy.
Legal experts suggest that Lively may have a stronger case, emphasizing that Baldoni’s defense largely centers around the argument that the interactions were consensual, which does not effectively negate the sexual harassment allegations.
As the trial is scheduled for March 2026, the entertainment industry and fans alike are closely watching how these legal proceedings will unfold and impact the careers and reputations of those involved.
What are your thoughts on the legal battles surrounding ‘It Ends With Us’? Do you think these disputes will affect the film’s reception and the careers of those involved? Share your opinions in the comments below.
