*A legal storm unfolds around the stars of *It Ends With Us, involving allegations of defamation, harassment, and retaliation.
A behind-the-scenes conflict from the set of the film adaptation of It Ends With Us has erupted into a high-profile legal battle, embroiling co-stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in a public feud. What began as whispers of on-set tensions has now spiraled into lawsuits involving one of Hollywood’s most respected publications, the New York Times.
Justin Baldoni Sues The New York Times
Justin Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, filed a $250 million libel suit against the New York Times on Tuesday. The lawsuit accuses the newspaper of publishing false and defamatory claims in a December article that alleged Baldoni and his publicists orchestrated a campaign to damage Blake Lively’s reputation.
According to Baldoni’s legal team, the Times article relied on unverified allegations, including claims from a legal complaint filed by Lively with the California Civil Rights Department. Baldoni’s camp argues the piece unfairly portrayed him as retaliating against Lively after she raised concerns about his alleged behavior.
Blake Lively Files Fresh Suit Against Baldoni
In a separate legal move, Blake Lively has filed a countersuit against Baldoni and other unnamed parties, alleging sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us. Her complaint includes claims of retaliation by Baldoni when she voiced concerns about the work environment, a situation she described as “toxic and degrading.”
Lively’s legal filings reportedly include detailed accounts of alleged incidents on set and communications involving Baldoni’s team. She seeks damages for emotional distress and professional harm, further intensifying the already heated dispute.
The New York Times Article at the Center of the Controversy
The New York Times article, now the subject of Baldoni’s lawsuit, painted a picture of escalating tensions between the two co-stars. The piece quoted unnamed sources who alleged that Baldoni’s team attempted to discredit Lively following her complaints, suggesting the actions were part of a coordinated smear campaign.
In a statement, the Times defended its reporting as “thoroughly vetted and grounded in credible sources,” emphasizing its commitment to investigative journalism.
Hollywood Divided
The lawsuits have sent ripples through Hollywood, with industry insiders and fans taking sides in the conflict. While some have expressed support for Lively’s courage in speaking out, others have questioned the timing and motives behind the allegations.
Meanwhile, It Ends With Us, once anticipated as a marquee release for 2024, is now overshadowed by the controversy. Critics fear the legal disputes may tarnish the film’s legacy and impact its box office performance.
What Lies Ahead
As both lawsuits move forward, the stakes are high for all parties involved. For Justin Baldoni, the case is about defending his reputation and career. For Blake Lively, it’s a fight for justice and workplace accountability. For the New York Times, it’s a battle to uphold journalistic integrity.
With Hollywood’s attention fixed on the courtroom drama, this real-life story of power, influence, and allegations may prove as gripping as the film that sparked it.
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