Hollywood Legal Battle Erupts On Set
The production of the highly anticipated film It Ends With Us has taken a dramatic turn as stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni engage in a bitter legal battle, each accusing the other of misconduct during filming. Lively, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and A Simple Favor, filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment. In response, Baldoni countersued for defamation, alleging Lively’s claims were a calculated attempt to cover her own problematic behavior on set.
Crew Member Backs Baldoni’s Claims
Adding fuel to the fire, storyboard artist Talia Spencer spoke out in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, claiming that Lively made repeated attempts to seize control of the production. “I feel like maybe Blake smelled his kindness — mistook it for weakness — and tried to take advantage and take power,” Spencer said. She further alleged that Lively compromised Baldoni’s original creative vision, describing the shift in control as “a little bit sad.”
Accusations of Overstepping Boundaries
According to Baldoni’s lawsuit, Lively allegedly demanded extensive creative control from the start, including wardrobe choices, rewriting her own lines — as well as those of other cast members — and making multiple threats to influence the direction of the film. The lawsuit states that Baldoni, feeling pressured, accommodated many of her requests to avoid potential fallout.
More controversially, Lively allegedly insisted on being involved in the post-production editing process, a demand that was not included in her contractual agreement. The suit claims she threatened to withdraw from promoting the film if denied access, leading to a tense standoff between Lively and the film’s producers, Wayfarer and Sony.
Two Competing Cuts of the Film?
In a highly unusual turn, Baldoni’s legal team claims the film ended up with two distinct edits: one completed under his direction, and another shaped by Lively’s unauthorized involvement. “Wayfarer and Sony found themselves in the unprecedented and uncomfortable predicament of having two competing versions of the Film,” the lawsuit alleges.
A Film Overshadowed by Controversy
It Ends With Us, based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover, was expected to be a major release. However, the escalating behind-the-scenes drama between its lead actors has cast a shadow over its future. With lawsuits ongoing and conflicting narratives emerging, the film’s release—and reputation—hangs in the balance.