‘It Ends With Us’ lawsuit heats up: Justin Baldoni claims Blake Lively sabotaged him with sex scene

A high-profile legal clash that involves Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has resulted in renewed attention after the release of unsealed court documents associated with their film It Ends With Us.

Newly unsealed text messages have disclosed fresh information about tensions between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively during the production of It Ends With Us, adding another layer to their continuing legal battle.

Private Messages Reveal Creative Conflicts on Set

As per the court documents reviewed by People, Baldoni showed frustration and exhaustion in a series of private messages revealed through a latest motion filed by William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME). The text provides insight into behind-the-scenes creative conflicts that emerged while the movie was being made.

Baldoni contacted his former WME agent Danny Greenberg on December 30, 2023, stating what he termed as a “really, really bad week” while directing the film amid disagreements with Lively.

Disputes Over Intimate Scenes and Body Doubles

Among Baldoni’s concerns was a request from Lively to meet privately at her New York City residence. Baldoni told his former agent that the talk would likely concentrate on how numerous sex scenes were filmed. As per the court filings, Lively had “refused” the use of a body double for intimate sequences, while asking Baldoni to use one himself.

“That’s just setting me up for a trap,” stated Baldoni, who added that Lively had asked for him to use a body double for the sequences instead.

Studio Executives Drawn Into Escalating Disagreement

Baldoni told Greenberg that the disagreement elevated to the point where Sony executives and producer Todd Black became indulged. He also mentioned that Lively pushed for both icons to remain clothed during a scene that, according to him, needed nudity and aligned with the real source material.

“If you know the book, it’s just ridiculous,” Baldoni stated.

Baldoni Describes Production as Draining and Contentious

Explaining the overall experience, Baldoni regarded the situation as “a gigantic clusterf***” and admitted he was getting ready to give in to “95 percent” of Lively’s demands in order to make the project going forward. He termed Lively as “an actress who is rewriting the writer and director,” adding that the process had been “very draining” and “time-consuming,” mainly during the 2023 holiday season.

The texts were sent ahead of what Baldoni stated as an “all-hands” meeting attended by Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and studio executives. During that meeting, Baldoni asserted that Lively presented 17 different stipulations connected to the production.

Lawsuits, Countersuits and Mounting Allegations

The recent revelations come amid a legal battle that has stretched for over a year. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliatory behavior, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

In her filing, Lively alleged several forms of misconduct, which includes body shaming, and claimed Baldoni orchestrated a coordinated attempt to damage her public reputation. The lawsuit also named several of Baldoni’s associates, that includes his company Wayfarer Studios, its CEO and financial backer, and members of his public relations team.

Baldoni has dismissed the allegations and earlier sought $250 million in damages from The New York Times over what he stated as defamatory reporting. That statement was later folded into a broader $400 million lawsuit filed earlier this year, involving Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane. The case was dismissed by the court in June. All parties involved have denied wrongdoing.

Deposition Conduct Sparks Additional Legal Disputes

Recently, attorneys who represented Lively accused Baldoni’s legal team of crossing limits during depositions. They alleged inappropriate questioning in regard to Lively’s personal life and requested the court to intervene.

“Ms. Lively's sexual and/or romantic history has no bearing on the matters at issue in this case and we will not tolerate such examination, which will be the subject of a protective order and sanctions motion if it happens again,” her legal team told the court on December 19, according to Page Six.

Lively’s attorneys also accused Baldoni’s attorneys of a “lack of basic decorum,” mentioning alleged insulting comments, cross-talk, and laughter during depositions.

Film’s Success Overshadowed by Controversy

Apart from the legal turmoil, It Ends With Us performed strongly at the box office, achieving $148 million domestically and almost $350 million globally. However, the movie’s success has been overshadowed by the highly publicized conflict between its leading stars.

The film, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, showcased an ensemble cast which included Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, and Kevin McKidd. The narrative centers on Lily Bloom, portrayed by Lively, and her volatile bond with Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni.

According to the movie’s logline, Lily “overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life,” but a connection with a neurosurgeon starts to reflect painful patterns from her past.

As the case approaches trial, the legal and personal fallout surrounding the movie remains to draw intense scrutiny from both the entertainment industry and the public.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is this lawsuit gaining attention now?
Newly unsealed documents have disclosed private messages. These revelations have added fresh context to the conflict.

Q2. What film connects Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?
They worked together on It Ends With Us. The film is based on a popular novel by Colleen Hoover.