From Co-Stars to Legal Foes
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s feud has blurred the message of It Ends with Us
BY Anna Altman ★ MARCH 24th, 2025
design: Finley Banks
Have you ever read a novel so moving you’re just dying for it to be on screen? When Colleen Hoovers It Ends With Us reached theaters, fans swarmed, eager to see the long-awaited film adaptation.
Actor and director, Justin Baldoni, claimed that the goal of the movie was to get viewers to ask the crucial question of “why do men harm?” Sexual violence is one of the most critical issues of today and is urgently in need of proper representation in the media; It Ends with Us intended to inform audiences on the various forms of sexual violence and prevention strategies. Unfortunately, the beauty of this movie and its intentions were wilted by a messy, disturbing lawsuit between the film’s stars.
Fans knew there was potential tension between Blake Lively (Lily Bloom), and Justin Baldoni (Ryle) when both cast members rarely spoke of each other in interviews. As partners in the film, co-producer Lively and director Baldoni were expected to participate in more press together. So, when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on set and astroturfing, it set the internet ablaze with shock. Especially since Baldoni had been promoting It Ends with Us in such a seemingly thoughtful way. Baloni, in nearly every interview, highlighted the true meaning of the movie instead of advertising it as simply a glamorous film.
In response, Baldoni sued Lively for 400 million dollars, claiming she and her legal team had defamed him. Baldoni, considering he was dropped from his agency, will undoubtedly have a hard time being hired again. After the New York Times released a story backing Lively’s claims, Baldoni came with “receipts,” releasing text messages that strengthened his argument that Lively had fabricated her accusations.
Lively’s team requested a gag order against Baldoni due to the concern that his publicity of the lawsuit was provoking a smear campaign against Lively. Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, even made a joke about the lawsuit during a brief feature on SNL, provoking outrage from many viewers. Don’t these harassment allegation jokes disregard the point of the movie?
A case regarding domestic violence is not one we can take lightly. It is important for viewers to understand that taking a side in this legal battle will only stir the pot more. Sexual violence isn’t drama. It’s a genuine, dangerous horror that individuals have to face every day.
Everything is still left up in the air. If I could give you some advice, though, it would be to absolutely disregard this celebrity drama when watching It Ends with Us. Too often pieces of art skewed are into reflections of the celebrities involved and the message behind the creations themselves get diluted or ignored.
The restlessness between these co-stars has led to the ignorance of the most important message behind the film. Colleen Hoover even deactivated her Instagram account, likely unsure how to approach the situation after something so special to her turned into this year’s biggest Hollywood scandal.
Continue to appreciate It Ends with Us, watch the movie for Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid and not for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Remember, we were not on set, and we do not know what truly went down.