The romantic drama “It Ends With Us” has become embroiled in a bitter legal battle, with accusations of body-shaming, sexual harassment, and a $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times. At the center of the controversy stand actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, along with Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband.
According to a lawsuit filed by Baldoni on Tuesday, tensions escalated during filming when he allegedly inquired about Lively’s weight in relation to a specific scene involving a stunt double. This inquiry, perceived by Lively as body-shaming, reportedly sparked an “aggressive” confrontation at the couple’s New York City apartment.
Ryan Reynolds Now Embroiled In Bitter Justin Baldoni VS Blake Lively Lawsuit
Lively’s response was multifaceted. She allegedly refused to perform the scene and later filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, claiming he made “back channel ways of criticizing her body and weight.” Additionally, she accused him of recommending a weight-loss guru disguised as a strep throat specialist.
Baldoni vehemently denies these allegations. He claims to have apologized repeatedly to Lively and even “bent to her will” to maintain a professional relationship. Further bolstering his defense, Baldoni, along with his publicists, filed a separate lawsuit against the New York Times for allegedly defaming him in their reporting on Lively’s initial complaint. The Times, for its part, stands by its reporting and promises a vigorous defense.
The fallout extends beyond the central figures. Rumors of a feud swirled during the film’s premiere in August, and several of Lively’s co-stars, including Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, have publicly expressed their support for her. Colleen Hoover, the author of the novel on which the film is based, has also spoken out, praising Lively’s character.
Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds, who has remained silent on the issue, adds another layer of complexity. His reported anger towards Baldoni for allegedly “fat-shaming” his wife further strains the situation.
With lawsuits flying and accusations mounting, the once-anticipated film adaptation of “It Ends With Us” has become overshadowed by a very public and messy real-life drama. The truth remains to be determined in the courts, but one thing is certain: the road to happily ever after for this on-screen love story has taken a sharp turn.
