In a fresh escalation of the high-profile legal feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, newly unsealed text messages from December 2023 expose Baldoni's accusations that Lively deliberately created an impossible situation during the filming of intimate scenes for It Ends With Us. Baldoni, known for his role in Jane the Virgin, expressed deep frustration in private communications, claiming Lively's decisions placed him in a vulnerable position on set. This revelation comes amid ongoing court proceedings, highlighting the intense behind-the-scenes conflicts that have captivated Hollywood watchers and fans of the Colleen Hoover adaptation alike.
Unsealed Texts Reveal On-Set Frustrations
The texts, sent by Baldoni to his former agent Danny Greenberg on December 30, 2023, paint a picture of mounting tensions during production. Baldoni described enduring a really bad week while navigating creative clashes with Lively, who also held a producer credit on the film.
He specifically alleged that she refused to use a body double for the sex scenes, rejected his prepared storyboards entirely, and insisted on keeping both actors fully clothed during the pivotal love scene, which he viewed as incompatible with the source material from Hoover's book. Baldoni vented that these demands formed a gigantic cluster of issues, draining his energy over the holiday break as he balanced directing and starring duties.
Blake Lively stuns in a blue ball gown at a Hollywood red carpet event, showcasing her signature elegance and style.
Creative Differences and Compromises in Filming
Amid these disputes, Baldoni claimed he accommodated most of Lively's requests to maintain harmony on set, agreeing to about 95 percent of her suggestions despite finding the process brutal. He noted that Lively's influence extended to reshaping the script and directorial vision, which complicated the adaptation's fidelity to the novel's themes of romance and domestic abuse.
Sources close to the production recall how Sony executives and producer Todd Black stepped in to mediate, ultimately ensuring a body double was used for Baldoni while addressing Lively's concerns about comfort and safety. This back-and-forth underscores the challenges of filming sensitive content, where boundaries and artistic choices often collide in high-stakes environments.
The Escalating Legal Battle Between Baldoni and Lively
The conflict boiled over into court when Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios of sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and lost wages totaling around 160 million dollars. Baldoni swiftly responded with a 400 million dollar countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion, though a judge dismissed it in June 2025.
Lively's camp has countered that Baldoni's texts demonstrate retaliatory motives, especially since they followed her outlining 17 specific protections for cast and crew safety in November 2023, which were discussed in a January 2024 meeting involving key stakeholders.
Competing Visions for It Ends With Us Final Cut
Reports indicate two distinct versions of the film emerged during post-production, one helmed by Baldoni reflecting his directorial intent, and another feminine edit championed by Lively that reportedly gained approval for the theatrical release. Baldoni anticipated clashes over editing in his texts, warning that he would not yield on every demand, which fueled speculation about star influence swaying creative outcomes. Despite the drama, It Ends With Us achieved box office success, yet the dueling cuts have sparked debates among fans about authenticity to Hoover's story and the role of producer credits in overriding directors.
Recent Developments Involving Sony in the Dispute
As of January 2026, Sony Pictures Entertainment has entered the fray more prominently, filing a motion criticizing Lively's expert witness for selectively quoting an executive's email to paint an inflammatory picture while omitting context that alters its meaning. This move highlights growing tensions, with Sony accusing the report of including gratuitous references to their employees and conduct, potentially complicating Lively's narrative of victimization across multiple studios. Observers note this could signal shifting alliances in Hollywood, as the studio seeks to seal co-financing agreements to protect proprietary details amid the ongoing scrutiny.
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively share a tense, intimate moment on set, highlighting the controversy over body doubles in It Ends With Us.
What's Ahead in the Courtroom for Baldoni and Lively
With a trial date set for May 18, 2026, in New York City, the case continues to unfold through motions and depositions, including a next hearing on January 22. Baldoni's side maintains his actions prioritized professionalism, while Lively emphasizes the need for workplace safeguards in intimate filming scenarios. This battle not only spotlights actor-director dynamics but also fuels broader industry discussions on consent, authority, and accountability, keeping audiences engaged as new details emerge.
Digging Deeper: Common Questions About the Baldoni-Lively Dispute
What Prompted Blake Lively's Initial Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni?
Blake Lively's lawsuit stemmed from allegations of a hostile work environment created by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, including inappropriate discussions of sexual experiences and showing explicit content without consent.
She detailed these issues after an April 2023 incident where her husband Ryan Reynolds confronted Baldoni over alleged fat-shaming remarks made toward her during a lifting scene, an event reportedly witnessed by Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman at a Deadpool & Wolverine screening party. Lively sought protections like banning pornography on set and hiring an intimacy coordinator, which she claims were undermined, leading to her legal action to address the emotional and professional toll.
How Has the Controversy Impacted the Reception of It Ends With Us?
The film's reception has been mixed since its release, earning over 300 million dollars globally yet facing criticism for glossing over the book's heavier themes of abuse in favor of a more romantic tone, which some attribute to Lively's edit prevailing.
Public opinion divided sharply after the lawsuit surfaced, with supporters praising Lively for highlighting MeToo-era issues while others defended Baldoni's vision, resulting in boycotts and social media campaigns that boosted streaming views but tarnished the project's legacy. Industry analysts suggest this has prompted studios to revise intimacy protocols, influencing future adaptations of sensitive material.
Are Other Celebrities Involved in the Feud Beyond Ryan Reynolds?
Beyond Reynolds, who played a key role in confronting Baldoni and supporting Lively's protections, figures like Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman emerged as witnesses to the 2023 incident, potentially testifying about the on-set atmosphere. Colleen Hoover has remained neutral publicly, focusing on her book's message, while publicists and agents like Leslie Sloane and Danny Greenberg have been drawn in through depositions, with Greenberg labeling Lively's demands as extortion in his July 2024 testimony. This web of connections illustrates how personal disputes can ripple through Hollywood's interconnected circles, drawing in A-listers indirectly.
