Justin Baldoni – director of “It Ends With Us” – accused star Blake Lively of using Taylor Swift’s name to force him to change the script.
According to Variety on January 16, Justin Baldoni filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York, suing Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for misappropriating the project It Ends With Us , destroying his career with false accusations. He asked the couple to pay $400 million in compensation after Blake Lively accused him of sexual harassment and plotting to destroy her reputation late last year. The director did not mention Taylor Swift in the lawsuit, but the name “Taylor” appeared in a text message between him and Baldoni – one of the documents filed in court.
Actor and director Justin Baldoni. Photo: GC Images
The 179-page legal document includes text messages between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in which she persuaded him to edit a rooftop scene where the two main characters first met. Baldoni “reluctantly allowed her to rewrite this important scene”, agreeing to review the edit. However, Baldoni said the new version was “far from” the original and politely declined. Lively kept quiet for days afterwards, then said the feedback made her, her husband and “a super famous friend” uncomfortable. The star is believed to be Taylor Swift.
According to the lawsuit, Lively once “summoned” Baldoni to her New York penthouse to discuss the script with Ryan Reynolds and his “superstar friend.” After the meeting, Baldoni said he would find the change more interesting “without Ryan and Taylor’s involvement.” Baldoni’s response attracted attention because many news sites believed that this was his way of implying that Taylor Swift was involved in this case. On January 17, Baldoni’s team confirmed that the person was Swift, the singer’s representative has not responded to the information.
Blake Lively (left) is one of Taylor Swift’s close friends. Photo: GC Images
In addition, Blake Lively once commented that she was lucky to have her husband and “superstar friend” as “the most trusted collaborators” in a text message. In another exchange, Lively continued to describe the two as “talented characters in the role of writers, as well as storytellers outside of their main job”. Lively also compared herself to Khaleesi – the character with the ability to control dragons in Game of Thrones, saying that “there happen to be a few dragons” willing to protect what she wants. Therefore, Lively advised Baldoni to accept the offer to benefit from her.
According to the complaint, Justin Baldoni claims that Blake Lively’s references to Ryan Reynolds and his “superstar friend” put pressure on him. “Baldoni is not only dealing with Lively, he is also dealing with ‘Lively’s dragons’ – two of the richest and most influential people in the world who are not afraid to make things difficult for him,” the complaint states.
Blake Lively – Ryan Reynolds couple attend the event in 2022. Photo: Film Magic
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle began on December 20 when the star filed a lawsuit accusing her co-star of sexual harassment, unprofessional behavior, and a smear campaign after the release of It Ends With Us . She said the incident affected her mental health, caused psychological trauma, and affected her family.
On December 31, 2024, Justin Baldoni filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the New York Times for his article We Can Bury Anymore: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine . He accused the newspaper of working with Lively’s team to cherry-pick information that was favorable to her. The news agency asserted that the information was reported “thoroughly and responsibly.”
According to People , rumors of Lively and Baldoni’s feud began when the two began their promotional tour for the film in early August 2024. At that time, Baldoni mostly conducted interviews alone and did not take photos with the cast at the New York premiere. Many fans discovered that Blake Lively, It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover, and supporting actress Jenny Slate did not follow Baldoni’s account on Instagram even though he followed first.
It Ends With Us is adapted from Colleen Hoover’s debut novel, and tells the story of Lily (played by Blake Lively), a woman who moves to a new city and meets and falls in love with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni). But over time, Ryle becomes violent, reminding Lily of her parents’ toxic relationship. At the same time, the heroine’s first love returns, changing her world. The film was released on August 9 and has grossed over $350 million worldwide.
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Blake Lively , 38, rose to fame with her roles in Gossip Girl , Green Lantern , Savages , and The Age of Adaline . In addition to acting, Lively has impressed with her fashion sense that has been praised by the fashion industry. She has been voted the best dressed woman of the year many times by prestigious magazines and is often on the weekly best dressed list. The actress married Ryan Reynolds in 2012 and has four children. They are one of the most beautiful couples in Hollywood.
Justin Baldoni, 41, is a Hollywood actor, director and producer. Some of his notable films include Five Feet Apart (2019), The Suite Life of Zack & Cody series (2005-2008). He married Swedish actress Emily Foxler, who is also his age, in 2013.
