The feud between It Ends With Us co-stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has taken a dramatic turn, with new lawsuits and explosive accusations dominating headlines. The saga now involves Baldoni’s $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and allegations against Blake Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, for an alleged tirade during a tense meeting.
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Baldoni Accuses Ryan Reynolds of Verbal Abuse
In his lawsuit filed this week, Justin Baldoni claims he was berated by Ryan Reynolds during a meeting at the actor’s New York City apartment in January 2024. According to Baldoni’s complaint, Reynolds “launched into a tirade,” demanding that Baldoni apologize for “fat-shaming” Lively. Baldoni alleges that he resisted apologizing because the accusations stemmed from a misunderstanding.
The actor and director of It Ends With Us explained that his inquiry about Lively’s weight was related to a potential scene requiring him to lift her due to his own back issues. However, Lively’s attorneys countered in their own December 31 lawsuit that “there was no such scene” in the film.
Baldoni’s lawyers described the confrontation with Reynolds as “humiliating” and “inappropriate,” especially as it reportedly occurred in the presence of the couple’s celebrity friends. While the lawsuit does not name the witnesses, Baldoni stated that the experience was “traumatic” and that he had “never been spoken to like that in his life.”
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Lively’s Lawsuit Alleges Retaliation
Blake Lively’s lawsuit, filed days before Baldoni’s defamation case, accuses multiple individuals involved in It Ends With Us, including Baldoni, of orchestrating a “coordinated and resourced retaliatory scheme” aimed at silencing her and others who have spoken out. Lively’s lawsuit stems from allegations of sexual harassment during the production of the film and claims that Baldoni targeted her in a smear campaign.
The feud intensified following a December 21 New York Times article titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.” The piece detailed accusations against Baldoni and others, citing “thousands of pages of original documents” that allegedly support claims of misconduct.
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Baldoni and Nine Plaintiffs Sue The New York Times
In response to the article, Baldoni and nine co-plaintiffs filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, accused the publication of “cowering to the wants and whims of two powerful ‘untouchable’ Hollywood elites,” referring to Lively and Reynolds.
Danielle Rhoades, a spokesperson for the newspaper, defended the article, asserting that it was “meticulously and responsibly reported” and based on a thorough review of documents, emails, and text messages, all quoted accurately in the story.
A Web of Accusations
The legal battles have highlighted tensions that reportedly began during the production of It Ends With Us, a domestic violence drama directed by Baldoni and starring Lively. What initially appeared to be creative differences has spiraled into public allegations, legal disputes, and conflicting narratives.
Lively’s lawsuit alleges harassment and retaliation, while Baldoni maintains that he has been unfairly targeted and that his reputation is being tarnished by false claims. The addition of Reynolds to the drama, with allegations of verbal abuse, further complicates the already contentious dispute.
Fallout and Public Reaction
The escalating feud has sparked significant public and media attention, with fans and industry insiders divided in their support for Lively, Baldoni, and Reynolds. Many have expressed concern over the toxic dynamics alleged in these lawsuits and the broader implications for Hollywood’s culture.
As the legal battles continue, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Baldoni’s lawsuit against The New York Times aims to clear his name, while Lively’s claims seek accountability for alleged misconduct.
The unfolding saga serves as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity feuds and the far-reaching consequences of public allegations. With both lawsuits pending, the resolution of this dispute is far from certain, leaving fans and observers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this high-profile drama.
