“It Ends with Us” Lawsuit: A Tumultuous Drama Unfolding Behind the Scenes-Explained

It Ends With Us, one of the year’s most divisive films has taken an even darker turn as a lawsuit looms over the project. Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, the movie features Blake Lively as Lily and Justin Baldoni as Ryle, a couple whose romance is tested by the reappearance of Lily’s first love and echoes of domestic abuse reminiscent of her parents’ struggles.

Despite mixed reviews, the film saw immense box office success and later thrived on streaming platforms. However, the controversy escalated as Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the romantic drama.

The lawsuit, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, accuses Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of creating a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and retaliatory tactics. Lively alleges that tensions escalated to the point where an “all-hands-on-deck” meeting was necessary to address her grievances. The lawsuit has cast a shadow over the movie’s legacy, raising serious questions about the behavior of key players behind the scenes.

A Closer Look at the Film’s Controversy

The movie follows Lily (Blake Lively) and Ryle (Justin Baldoni), a couple navigating their complex relationship against Lily’s traumatic past and her first love’s sudden reappearance. While “It Ends with Us” was praised for its performances and adaptation of Hoover’s emotionally charged narrative, critics pointed to its romanticized portrayal of a toxic relationship, overshadowing its core themes of resilience and healing.

The legal drama, however, brings a different kind of attention. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, alleges incidents of misconduct that disrupted the workplace environment. Reports detail accusations ranging from inappropriate comments to decisions that violated prior agreements about the film’s creative and promotional direction.

The Allegations: What Blake Lively Claims

Lively’s filing outlines numerous concerns, including Baldoni allegedly discussing explicit content inappropriately on set, making unwelcome remarks about her weight, and introducing unapproved sexual scenes into the script. Wayfarer Studios initially accepted her demands, which aimed to create a safer and more respectful working environment.

However, Baldoni is accused of later reneging on these agreements, allegedly using the film’s promotional campaign to focus on its dramatic elements instead of highlighting Lily’s strength as a domestic violence survivor.

Lively further claims that Baldoni and his team orchestrated a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation, enlisting crisis public relations expert Melissa Nathan. The New York Times report revealed text messages and emails suggesting efforts to plant negative stories about Lively in the media. These efforts allegedly included narratives painting her as difficult to work with and even attempts to manipulate social media sentiment against her.

Behind-the-Scenes Manipulation

One of the most shocking elements of this controversy is the extent to which Baldoni and his team allegedly went to discredit Lively. Reports describe conversations about leveraging social media to fuel public criticism, engaging with publications to push unfavorable narratives, and using targeted online attacks to damage Lively’s reputation.

The fallout from these allegations has already begun. After the lawsuit’s filing, Baldoni was dropped by his talent agency, WME, and his reputation now hangs in the balance. For her part, Lively has emphasized her desire to bring transparency to these alleged retaliatory tactics. In her statement, she expressed hope that her legal action would expose harmful practices within the industry and encourage others to speak out against misconduct.

The Film’s Creative Struggles

The lawsuit also sheds light on Lively’s efforts to salvage the project. After raising her concerns on set, she reportedly collaborated with Sony to create her cut of “It Ends with Us.” This version included changes like hiring new editors, working with a different composer, and incorporating a Taylor Swift song. Ultimately, Sony and Wayfarer approved her cut, and Lively received producer credit for her contributions.

However, tensions continued to simmer. Reports suggest that even as Lively attempted to focus on the film’s narrative, Baldoni’s team worked behind the scenes to undermine her. The NYT report detailed instances where Baldoni expressed concerns about the optics of the smear campaign but ultimately approved strategies that targeted Lively.

What This Means for “It Ends with Us”

As the legal battle unfolds, it casts a long shadow over the movie’s legacy. “It Ends with Us” was already polarizing due to its depiction of domestic violence, with some viewers accusing it of romanticizing unhealthy relationships. The lawsuit and subsequent allegations of misconduct only add to the controversy, potentially alienating fans of the novel and deterring future audiences.

Interestingly, the conflict also jeopardizes the possibility of adapting Hoover’s sequel, It Starts with Us. Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios currently hold the rights to the follow-up story, but the escalating feud between him and Lively could derail any plans for a collaborative project. Baldoni had previously suggested that Lively should direct the sequel, but this now seems unlikely given the current circumstances.

The Broader Implications

The lawsuit against Baldoni highlights a larger issue within Hollywood: the power dynamics that often lead to toxic work environments. Lively’s allegations, if proven true, could encourage other actors to come forward about similar experiences. Moreover, the case underscores the role of public relations in positively and negatively shaping narratives.

As of now, the outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain. Public opinion is divided, with some rallying behind Lively’s bravery in speaking out and others questioning the timing and nature of the allegations. What’s clear, however, is that “It Ends with Us” will be remembered not only for its story but also for the behind-the-scenes drama that threatens to overshadow it.

A Cautionary Tale

Ultimately, “It Ends with Us” is a cautionary tale about the complexities of adapting emotionally charged stories and the responsibilities of filmmakers to treat such material with care. The ongoing legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, particularly when they stand up against perceived misconduct.

As fans and critics continue to dissect both the film and the lawsuit, one thing is certain: the legacy of “It Ends with Us” will be as much about the controversy as it is about the narrative it sought to tell. Whether this sparks meaningful change in Hollywood or becomes another chapter in the industry’s turbulent history remains to be seen.

About It Ends with Us

It Ends with Us is a romance novel by Colleen Hoover, published by Atria Books on August 2, 2016. Based on the relationship between her mother and father, Hoover described it as “the hardest book I’ve ever written.”

As of 2019, the novel had sold over one million copies worldwide and been translated into over twenty languages. In 2021, the novel experienced a resurgence in popularity through TikTok and topped sales lists for 2022 and 2023. A sequel titled It Starts with Us was published in October 2022. A film adaptation was released in August 2024, with a screenplay by Christy Hall. It was directed by Justin Baldoni, with Blake Lively, Baldoni, and Brandon Sklenar in lead roles.