The excitement that initially surrounded the casting of Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of an emotionally abusive relationship, soon turned sour. The project, heralded for bringing a beloved novel to the screen, quickly became the backdrop for serious accusations. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of inappropriate behavior on set, which she described as both unprofessional and deeply disturbing.
This revelation sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with several of Lively’s co-stars and friends coming to her defense. Notably, Colleen Hoover, the author of the novel, was one of the first to support Lively publicly. On Instagram, Hoover praised Lively’s character, stating, “Blake Lively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Solidarity from Stars
The support for Lively didn’t end there. Her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars—America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel—expressed their solidarity on Instagram, emphasizing the attack on her reputation and the failure to ensure a safe working environment. Even Gwyneth Paltrow and Amy Schumer made subtle yet significant gestures of support, with Schumer affirmatively stating on her Instagram Stories, “I believe Blake.”
In a striking display of backing, Amber Heard also spoke out in defense of Lively. Known for her own turbulent media experiences, Heard remarked on the speed and ferocity with which falsehoods can spread, highlighting the challenges Lively faced in combating these allegations.
The Few Who Stood by Baldoni
In stark contrast to the overwhelming support for Lively, Justin Baldoni found endorsements scarce. Among the few voices advocating for him were Candace Owens and Megyn Kelly. Owens suggested that Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, might be orchestrating efforts to undermine Baldoni’s career, a claim she discussed extensively on her podcast. Meanwhile, Kelly analyzed footage from the movie’s set, arguing that the interactions between Lively and Baldoni were misconstrued and that their chemistry was appropriate for their roles.
A Tangled Web of Allegations and Loyalties
As Hollywood and its fans watch closely, the unfolding drama between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively transcends the cinematic plot of It Ends with Us, offering a real-life saga of accusation, support, and isolation. This controversy not only highlights the complexities of personal and professional boundaries but also underscores the powerful impact of celebrity solidarity in shaping public narratives. With the legal proceedings ongoing, the ultimate resolution remains uncertain, leaving the audience in suspense not just for the movie’s release, but for the final act of this real-world drama.