The entertainment world has been set ablaze with controversy following the lawsuit filed by Gossip Girl star Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling book It Ends With Us. The lawsuit, which alleges s*xual harassment, reputation sabotage, and emotional distress, has captivated public attention, especially after bombshell text messages were revealed, painting a murky picture of behind-the-scenes chaos.
Let’s dive into the details of this high-stakes Hollywood feud and unpack what the lawsuit and text messages mean for both Lively and Baldoni.
A Hollywood Feud That Rocked the Industry
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, two of Hollywood’s most beloved figures, appeared to share a professional relationship when they joined forces for It Ends With Us. However, rumors of tension between the two began circulating during the film’s press tour. Fans noticed their conspicuous avoidance of each other on the red carpet and during interviews, fueling speculation of a deeper rift.
On December 21, 2024, Lively took matters to court, filing a lawsuit that accused Baldoni of s*xual harassment, manipulation, and orchestrating a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. The lawsuit, obtained by The New York Times, not only detailed Lively’s grievances but also included shocking text messages that have since been made public.
Text Messages That Changed Everything
The lawsuit became even more explosive when text messages, subpoenaed as part of the legal proceedings, were revealed. These messages suggest a coordinated effort to harm Lively’s reputation, allegedly orchestrated by Baldoni and his hired public relations and crisis management teams.
In one damning exchange, publicist Jennifer Abel, reportedly hired by Baldoni in August, sent a message stating that Baldoni “wants to feel like [Lively] can be buried.” Abel also hinted at wanting to plant negative stories about Lively, texting, “I’m having reckless thoughts of wanting to plant pieces this week about how horrible Blake is to work with.”
Crisis management expert Melissa Nathan appeared to echo this sentiment in her messages. She warned Abel against writing explicit plans to “destroy her,” cautioning, “Imagine if a document saying all the things that he wants ends up in the wrong hands.” Nathan’s team later reported seeing a shift in public sentiment on social media, celebrating the pro-Baldoni narrative.
Manipulation Through Social Media
The text messages revealed a deliberate strategy to sway public opinion using platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram. In one text, Baldoni sent a screenshot of a Twitter thread accusing another female celebrity of toxic behavior, suggesting, “This is what we would need.”
Abel’s response—focusing on amplifying this type of narrative—showed how social media was being weaponized against Lively. Nathan’s follow-up, claiming, “The majority of the socials are so pro-Justin,” highlights the extent to which these efforts may have succeeded.
These revelations have painted Baldoni in a controversial light, raising questions about the ethics of using social media campaigns to attack colleagues and shift public opinion.
Blake Lively’s Allegations Against Baldoni
Beyond the text messages, Lively’s legal complaint outlined a series of alleged incidents that created a hostile work environment during the filming of It Ends With Us. The lawsuit details inappropriate behavior from Baldoni, including showing explicit images, making lewd comments, and discussing cast and crew’s genitalia in her presence.
Lively’s demands during production reportedly included:
- No more showing nude images or videos in her presence.
- No further mention of Baldoni’s alleged past pornography addiction.
- Ceasing inappropriate s*xual comments and discussions about her weight.
- An end to on-set conversations about s*xual conquests or cast members’ bodies.
The lawsuit also claims that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, attended a meeting during production to address these concerns.
Additionally, Lively alleged that Baldoni attempted to include s*x scenes and explicit content in the film outside of what was previously agreed upon, despite her objections. These actions, according to the lawsuit, contributed to Lively’s severe emotional distress and impacted her family.
Baldoni’s Response: Denial and Counteraccusations
Justin Baldoni, through his legal team, has denied all allegations, calling Lively’s claims “categorically false.” His lawyer has accused Lively of planting fake stories in a “desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation.”
Baldoni’s team has positioned him as the victim of a smear campaign, pushing back against Lively’s allegations with their own claims of manipulation and dishonesty. However, the text messages revealed in the lawsuit have made it increasingly difficult for Baldoni to deflect the narrative.
A Shocking Meeting With Ryan Reynolds
One of the most talked-about aspects of Lively’s lawsuit is the alleged meeting held during production to address her concerns. According to the legal complaint, Reynolds, known for his protective and supportive nature, was present during this discussion.
The demands discussed in this meeting were reportedly centered on ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. These included Lively’s request for boundaries regarding on-set behavior, including no discussions of her deceased father and no attempts to include explicit content outside the agreed-upon script.
This meeting underscores the seriousness of the allegations and highlights Lively’s efforts to assert herself in a challenging and reportedly toxic environment.
What’s Next for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
As the lawsuit unfolds, the entertainment world watches closely. For Lively, this legal battle represents a fight for justice and accountability. In her statement to The New York Times, she expressed hope that her actions would “pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics” and protect others who might face similar challenges.
For Baldoni, the allegations threaten to overshadow his career as both an actor and director. The text messages and lawsuit have already cast doubt on his reputation, raising questions about how this controversy will impact his standing in Hollywood.
The Broader Implications for Hollywood
This lawsuit isn’t just about Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—it’s a reflection of larger issues within the entertainment industry. From alleged harassment on set to the use of social media to manipulate public narratives, these revelations shed light on the toxic dynamics that often remain hidden behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
The text messages revealed in this lawsuit serve as a stark reminder of how reputations can be weaponized, and the lengths some are willing to go to protect their own image at the expense of others.
Conclusion: A Fight for Accountability
Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni has exposed a side of Hollywood that’s rarely discussed so openly. From allegations of harassment to social media manipulation, the case highlights the challenges faced by individuals who dare to speak out against misconduct.
As the legal battle continues, the hope is that this case will not only bring justice for Lively but also set a precedent for greater accountability and respect within the entertainment industry. The text messages revealed in this lawsuit have already shifted the narrative, forcing us all to take a closer look at the power dynamics at play behind the scenes.
