The legal conflict between actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni over the film It Ends With Us escalated significantly in 2025, resulting in multiple lawsuits. The dispute began when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Baldoni’s legal team responded aggressively, labeling Lively’s claims as “completely false” and countersuing her for $400 million in January 2025.
Lively’s attorneys celebrated a victory in June 2025 when the court dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit. They proclaimed it a “total victory” for their client. However, the legal battles are ongoing, with a trial regarding Lively’s original lawsuit scheduled for March 2026 in New York. The case has drawn in notable figures including Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, and pop icon Taylor Swift, further amplifying its public interest.
The timeline of events reveals a series of escalating accusations and legal maneuvers. Lively reported that she filed her initial complaint on December 21, 2024, detailing Baldoni’s alleged inappropriate behavior on set. In her complaint, she claimed to have requested that Baldoni refrain from discussing personal matters such as his alleged past with pornography, as well as making unsolicited comments about her body. Lively also alleged that Baldoni engaged in a smear campaign against her reputation.
In response, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, dismissed Lively’s claims and accused her of attempting to improve her public image by rehashing narratives about the troubled production of the film. He characterized her demands as threatening and manipulative, claiming she pressured other cast members to isolate Baldoni during filming.
Tensions rose further with the involvement of Taylor Swift. An email from a crisis management expert associated with Baldoni suggested that Lively’s connection to Swift, who has a significant fanbase, warranted serious consideration in handling the controversy. Lively later publicly stated that her legal action aimed to shed light on retaliatory tactics used against individuals who report misconduct in Hollywood.
The fallout from the allegations has had significant implications for Baldoni’s career. Following the allegations, he was dropped by his talent agency, WME, and an award he received for his advocacy for women’s rights was rescinded. In contrast, Lively has maintained her representation with the agency.
As the lawsuits unfolded, both sides continued to exchange public statements. Lively’s legal team emphasized the importance of holding those accountable for harassment while Baldoni’s representatives sought to clear his name, alleging that Lively’s claims were unfounded and part of a calculated attack.
Baldoni’s legal team has also taken aim at media coverage, filing a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming their reporting distorted the narrative surrounding the case. The newspaper has stood by its reporting, asserting that it was based on thorough documentation and interviews.
In a notable twist, Lively’s legal team has indicated plans to pursue a multi-million dollar claim against Baldoni for damages related to the ongoing litigation. They cite emotional and economic harm caused by the allegations and subsequent legal actions.
As both parties prepare for a trial that promises to capture wide public attention, the ongoing litigation continues to unfold, with Lively and Baldoni both asserting their innocence and accusing the other of misconduct. The legal drama surrounding It Ends With Us not only highlights the complexities of Hollywood culture but also raises critical questions about accountability and the treatment of individuals who come forward with allegations of harassment.
The upcoming trial in March 2026 is set to be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the careers of those involved and impacting the broader conversation about workplace conduct in the entertainment industry.
