Justin Baldoni has accused Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds of offering him a large sum to take the blame in their harassment controversy. According to Baldoni, the couple prioritized protecting their image over the truth, even going as far as drafting a statement for him to release. The legal battle between the stars continues, with shocking details surfacing about the troubled production of It Ends With Us and its aftermath.
The Allegations Against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
In a surprising turn of events, It Ends With Us director and actor Justin Baldoni has made serious claims against Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni alleges that the duo attempted to coerce him into taking responsibility for the negative press surrounding the film. He further revealed that Lively and Reynolds went as far as drafting a statement in August 2024—just as the movie was released—urging him to assume full accountability for the backlash.
The alleged draft statement read:
“IT ENDS WITH US was a troubled production which we take full accountability for. We are very sorry to everyone we caused upset to privately and publicly. Blake Lively, Colleen Hoover, the entire cast and crew led with professionalism every step of the way; any negativity aimed at them is ours to own.”
Baldoni, however, refused to comply with their demands, arguing that the statement was misleading and could further tarnish his reputation. His legal team, along with representatives from Wayfarer Studios and WME, determined that the drafted statement implied blame without clear justification and might have exacerbated the situation instead of resolving it.
The Legal Battle and Counterclaims
The conflict escalated into a full-blown legal battle, leading to lawsuits from both parties. In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and alleging that he and his team orchestrated a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied these claims and countered with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, citing civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
According to Baldoni’s lawsuit, Lively and Reynolds attempted to gain full creative control over It Ends With Us while sidelining him in the process. He also claims that the couple was more focused on preserving their public image than addressing the real issues within the production.
Public Reactions and Industry Backlash
The unfolding controversy has captured the attention of both the media and the public. Fans have been divided, with some standing by Lively and Reynolds, while others support Baldoni’s claims. Several entertainment insiders have voiced their opinions, including podcast host Joe Rogan, who criticized the couple’s handling of the scandal. He praised Baldoni for pushing back against what he referred to as Hollywood’s power dynamics and manipulation tactics.
Additionally, some conservative media figures have drawn comparisons between this legal battle and the infamous Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial. They argue that Lively’s allegations against Baldoni resemble Heard’s accusations against Depp, with claims that Lively may be leveraging her celebrity status to shift the narrative in her favor.
Impact on It Ends With Us and Its Documentary
Despite the controversy, It Ends With Us became a commercial success, grossing $351 million worldwide against a $25 million budget. However, reports of behind-the-scenes tensions and a hostile work environment have overshadowed its box office performance. Accusations of mismanagement and on-set conflicts between Lively and Baldoni have further fueled speculation about the movie’s troubled production.
Amid the growing public interest, ITN Productions released a 90-minute documentary titled He Said, She Said: Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni. This documentary examines the timeline of events, shedding light on the allegations, legal disputes, and social media reactions that have shaped the controversy. The film aims to provide a balanced perspective, allowing viewers to form their own opinions on the high-profile dispute.
A Legal Battle with No End in Sight
With the trial set for March 2026, the legal battle between Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds is far from over. This case underscores the complexities of Hollywood’s power structures, the consequences of public perception, and the lengths some celebrities may go to protect their reputation.
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