The legal dispute between actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni has escalated, drawing significant attention in Hollywood. The conflict originated during the production of the 2024 film It Ends With Us, where Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and initiating a retaliatory smear campaign after she raised concerns about his on-set behavior. She filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024, alleging that Baldoni and his team attempted to damage her reputation through orchestrated media efforts .
In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, accusing them of defamation, civil extortion, and invasion of privacy. He also initiated a separate $250 million libel suit against The New York Times over its reporting on the allegations
Lively has sought to dismiss Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit, describing it as a “vengeful” attempt to weaponize the legal system against her for speaking out . She remains steadfast in her decision to pursue legal action, emphasizing the importance of standing up against misconduct despite potential backlash .
The case is scheduled to go to trial in March 2026, with both parties presenting conflicting narratives about the events during the film’s production. As the legal proceedings continue, the entertainment industry watches closely, recognizing the broader implications for workplace conduct and accountability in Hollywood.
