Justin Baldoni, director and star of the upcoming film It Ends With Us, has escalated his legal battle with co-star Blake Lively, alleging in a new $400 million lawsuit that she enlisted the support of Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds to pressure him into adopting her vision for a pivotal scene in the movie. The lawsuit marks the latest chapter in a contentious dispute that has drawn in Hollywood heavyweights and raised questions about creative control, professional boundaries, and influence within the industry.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday, alleges that Lively, who sought to rewrite the script's rooftop scene-a key moment in the romantic drama-leveraged her connections to ensure her version prevailed. Baldoni claims he reluctantly agreed to review Lively's draft, only to face concerted pressure from her inner circle. "Baldoni understood the subtext: he needed to comply with Lively's direction for the script," the complaint reads.
According to the filing, Baldoni was invited to a meeting at Lively and Reynolds' New York City penthouse, where Swift allegedly joined in praising Lively's script. Although Swift is not explicitly named in the lawsuit, text messages refer to her as a "megacelebrity friend." Baldoni's team has confirmed the reference pertains to the Grammy-winning artist.
Allegations of Pressure and "Dragons"
Baldoni included screenshots of text exchanges between himself and Lively in the lawsuit, showcasing her acknowledgment of Reynolds and Swift's involvement. In one message, Lively wrote, "If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, you'll appreciate that I'm Khaleesi. Like her, I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for."
Lively referred to Reynolds and Swift as her "Dance Moms level stage moms," adding that they were her "most trusted partners" and instrumental in validating her creative input. She described the duo as "absolute titans as writers and storytellers" who had supported her through moments of professional adversity.
Baldoni contends that the pressure extended beyond mere enthusiasm, asserting that it created an environment where rejecting Lively's contributions was not an option. "I really love what you did... and I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor," Baldoni texted Lively after the meeting, according to the lawsuit.
Creative Disputes Turn Legal
This latest filing follows Lively's December lawsuit against Baldoni, in which she accused him of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in a retaliatory smear campaign. Her complaint included allegations of improvised physical intimacy during filming and claims of being pressured into simulating nudity without prior consent or coordination.
Lively has described Baldoni's actions as part of a pattern of abuse, with her legal team stating, "This is what experts call DARVO: Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender." In her complaint, Lively alleged that the incidents left her suffering from "grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety."
Baldoni has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them as "completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious." His counter-lawsuit argues that Lively's claims are part of an effort to salvage her reputation at his expense.
Broader Industry Implications
The legal clash extends beyond personal grievances, drawing in the media and public figures. Baldoni has also filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of libel in its coverage of Lively's allegations. The publication, which reported on the civil rights complaint preceding Lively's lawsuit, has defended its reporting as "meticulously and responsibly reported."
Meanwhile, Lively's lawsuit has ignited discussions about power dynamics in Hollywood and the role of celebrity influence in creative projects. While Baldoni's lawsuit paints Lively's actions as overreach, her defense frames her assertiveness as a response to a historically male-dominated industry where women's voices are often dismissed.
