The tension between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has escalated dramatically, with the “Jane the Virgin” actor and director alleging that his co-star sought to undermine his role in their upcoming film, “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni’s claims, laid out in a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times, paint a troubling picture of a fractured professional relationship.
According to court documents, Baldoni alleges that Lively initially tried to exclude him and his Wayfarer Studios team from the film’s August premiere. Her alleged reluctance to allow their attendance reportedly extended to imposing “humiliating conditions,” including barring them from key events and sidelining them during promotional efforts.
A Contentious Premiere Experience
Baldoni’s lawsuit outlines a series of grievances surrounding the film’s premiere. Despite eventually being allowed to attend, Baldoni claims he and his team faced significant restrictions.
- Baldoni and his associates were reportedly separated from the main cast.
- They were denied entry to the exclusive after-party.
- A separate event had to be organized at their own expense.
Adding insult to injury, Baldoni says his red-carpet time was cut short, and his family and friends were relegated to a basement holding area. They were only allowed to enter a different theater after Lively had left the premises.
The court filing describes this treatment as an intentional effort to marginalize Baldoni and his team, robbing them of the chance to celebrate their contributions to the project.
Accusations of Career Sabotage
Baldoni’s grievances extend beyond the premiere. He alleges that Lively systematically excluded him from the film’s marketing campaign. The actor-director, who also served as an executive producer on the project, claims these actions were part of a broader pattern aimed at diminishing his role and influence.
The lawsuit goes even further, accusing Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, of intervening in Baldoni’s career. Baldoni alleges Reynolds persuaded his agent to sever ties with him, a move he claims was designed to destabilize both his professional and personal life.
The Broader Implications
This feud has cast a shadow over the much-anticipated film, which was expected to be a major project for both stars. While public feuds in Hollywood are not uncommon, the legal and personal stakes in this case appear particularly high.
The lawsuit against the New York Times adds another layer of complexity. Baldoni accuses the publication of perpetuating false narratives that favor Lively and Reynolds, contributing to the damage he claims to have suffered.
A Story Still Unfolding
As the lawsuit proceeds, questions remain about how these allegations will affect the film’s release and the careers of those involved. Neither Lively nor Reynolds has commented publicly on the lawsuit, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about the veracity of Baldoni’s claims and the potential fallout.
For now, “It Ends With Us” is making headlines for reasons far removed from its storyline, and the drama offscreen threatens to overshadow what was meant to be a celebration of creative collaboration.
