In the world of Hollywood, drama isn’t just confined to the big screen—it often spills into the tabloids and social media. One of the most sensational celebrity feuds of recent times has involved two major stars: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. What started as a highly anticipated collaboration on the film It Ends With Us quickly spiraled into a complex legal and personal battle. This saga has captivated fans and the media alike, with shocking lawsuits, sexual harassment allegations, and allegations of a smear campaign, all contributing to an explosive public dispute.

 

 

So, what exactly happened between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni? Let’s break it down, as explained in The Global Story podcast by BBC World Service.

 

The Rise of It Ends With Us

It Ends With Us was one of the most highly anticipated film adaptations in Hollywood. The novel, written by Colleen Hoover, became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies and garnering billions of TikTok views. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were cast as the lead stars, with Baldoni’s production company acquiring the film rights. Fans were thrilled at the prospect of seeing their beloved book brought to life on the big screen.

 

However, behind the scenes, things were far from picture-perfect.

 

 

Blake Lively’s Allegations

Blake Lively, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and A Simple Favor, has long been an A-list actress with a polished, curated image. But during the production of It Ends With Us, things began to unravel. Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. According to the lawsuit, Blake claimed that Justin Baldoni repeatedly discussed his personal struggles with pornography addiction, made inappropriate comments about his genitalia, and entered her trailer without permission, even during private moments, such as when she was breastfeeding.

 

Blake’s legal team also pointed to what they described as a “smear campaign” launched against her by Baldoni’s team. They accused Baldoni of orchestrating a public relations strategy designed to tarnish Blake’s reputation and silence her claims. According to the lawsuit, a “digital army” was hired to spread negative content about Blake on social media, aiming to discredit her and deflect attention from the alleged misconduct.

 

 

Justin Baldoni’s Counter-Suit

In response to Blake’s allegations, Justin Baldoni filed a lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of publishing false and defamatory information. Baldoni, along with nine other plaintiffs, sought $250 million in damages, claiming that the newspaper had aided in a smear campaign designed to bolster Blake’s image while undermining his reputation.

 

Baldoni has denied the sexual harassment allegations, insisting that he was merely trying to protect his reputation in the midst of an increasingly hostile media environment. His team has also suggested that Blake may have orchestrated her own smear campaign against him, further complicating the ongoing legal battle.

 

 

The Press Tour and Public Backlash

The drama surrounding the production of It Ends With Us extended beyond the courtroom. The film’s press tour was marked by unusual behavior from both stars. While the movie was about domestic abuse, the promotional events featured pink carpets, flowers, and Blake Lively promoting her new haircare line, which drew criticism for the apparent lack of sensitivity to the film’s serious subject matter.

 

On top of this, there were reports that Blake and Justin refused to appear together in promotional photos, sparking rumors of their strained relationship. During the London premiere, Blake and Justin were seen doing press separately, further fueling speculation about the tension between them. Despite the rumors and the increasingly hostile press, the movie performed exceptionally well at the box office, grossing $350 million globally.

 

 

Behind the Scenes of Celebrity PR

What’s also come to light in the legal documents is the role of celebrity PR in shaping the narrative around both stars. Justin Baldoni hired a well-known crisis PR specialist, Melissa Nathan, to manage the fallout from the ongoing drama. While he claimed Nathan’s role was to protect him from further damage to his reputation, it’s been revealed that Nathan’s team allegedly orchestrated tactics to control the public narrative, even suggesting they could “bury” anyone who got in their way.

 

The behind-the-scenes work of celebrity PR teams has become more powerful than ever in the digital age, with social media allowing for the rapid spread of both positive and negative information. It appears both Blake and Justin’s teams were deeply involved in shaping the public’s perception, making this feud one of the most talked-about celebrity battles in recent memory.

 

 

Where Are We Now?

As of now, both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are stepping back from the spotlight. Neither has made significant public appearances, and their social media presence has been notably quieter. The future of their legal battle remains uncertain, and many wonder if a settlement is on the horizon or if this high-profile case will go to court.

 

Interestingly, there has been a shift in public opinion since the lawsuits began. Some women in Hollywood have expressed regret for believing the negative media narratives about Blake and have publicly apologized for doubting her character. Meanwhile, Justin Baldoni, once hailed as a feminist ally and advocate for women, has seen his reputation suffer, especially after losing an award from a women’s solidarity organization.

 

 

What’s Next?

The saga between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to unfold, with no clear resolution in sight. The impact of this ongoing battle has been far-reaching, affecting both stars’ careers, public images, and relationships within Hollywood. Fans are eager to see how the lawsuits will play out and whether either party will emerge victorious or if the case will be quietly settled behind closed doors.

 

As this drama continues to captivate the public, one thing is clear: Hollywood’s glittering façade can sometimes hide a far more complicated and contentious reality.

 

 

To hear more about this saga and other international stories, listen to The Global Story on the BBC World Service.