The highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us has become overshadowed by a bitter and escalating legal feud. At the center of the controversy are the movie’s producer and star, Blake Lively, and its director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. The dispute has spiraled into a web of allegations including sexual harassment, defamation, smear campaigns, and the involvement of high-profile names such as Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift.
Blake Lively’s Allegations
The legal conflict began in December 2024, when Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. She accused Justin Baldoni of fostering a hostile work environment through repeated inappropriate comments and boundary violations during production.
Around the same time, a New York Times investigation reported that Baldoni allegedly hired a PR team to damage Lively’s public image after she confronted him about the behavior. Soon after, Lively escalated the matter with a federal lawsuit reiterating her harassment claims.
Justin Baldoni’s Counterclaims
Baldoni has firmly denied all accusations and responded with a series of aggressive countermeasures. Along with nine colleagues—including PR consultants and production staff—he filed a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times for its reporting.
He then launched a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Lively’s publicist. The filing alleges civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. According to Baldoni, Lively used threats of fabricated harassment claims to seize greater creative control, attempted to remove him from the editing process, and even sought to block his attendance at the film’s premiere.
Taylor Swift’s Unexpected Involvement
Adding to the spectacle, Taylor Swift was unexpectedly named in Baldoni’s lawsuit. Court filings allege that Lively referred to Swift and Reynolds as her “dragons” during a meeting, comparing herself to Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. Reports claim Swift was angered by the remark.
Additionally, Baldoni’s team alleges Lively brought Swift to the set during a controversial rooftop scene, making the singer feel “uncomfortable” with the situation. Although rumors surfaced about a rift between Lively and Swift, more recent reports suggest the two have since reconciled.
Evidence and Legal Maneuvers
Baldoni’s defense has presented a resurfaced 2018 behind-the-scenes clip from Lively’s film A Simple Favor. In the video, Lively can be seen joking about grabbing co-star Henry Golding during an improvised scene. Baldoni’s legal team argues the footage undermines her harassment claims. Lively’s lawyers, however, dismiss the clip as a “distraction tactic.”
Meanwhile, Lively has filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s $400 million suit, calling it a “vengeful attempt” to silence her for speaking out. Baldoni’s legal representatives argue the protections she cites should not apply, even challenging their constitutionality.
A Film Shaped by Controversy
Ironically, It Ends With Us explores themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse—issues mirrored in the behind-the-scenes power struggle. During promotion, Lively also faced backlash for what critics described as a “tone-deaf” approach to discussing these sensitive subjects.
What’s Next?
Legal experts believe the case is unlikely to go to trial and may instead end in a settlement before the scheduled March 2026 court date. However, they also warn the situation may intensify as each side introduces further evidence and arguments.
The ongoing It Ends With Us dispute highlights the volatility of Hollywood productions, where creative conflicts, power dynamics, and personal reputations can collide in highly public—and damaging—ways.