Title: Blake Lively Joins Activists Accusing Justin Baldoni of ‘Abandoning’ MeToo Message

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Legal Feud Escalates as Women’s Groups Withdraw Support

[Image: Blake Lively at a beauty brand event, caption: Blake Lively promoted her beauty brand amid the legal battle.]

Blake Lively has intensified her legal clash with It Ends With Us collaborator Justin Baldoni, accusing him of undermining laws protecting women who speak out against harassment. A spokesperson for Lively revealed that 19 organizations focused on women’s rights, domestic violence, and children’s welfare have filed amicus briefs opposing Baldoni’s legal tactics. “They’re united in opposing his attempt to dismantle a law designed to protect women—just to shield himself,” the spokesperson told Us Weekly.

Lively’s team criticized Baldoni for contradicting his past advocacy. Known for his TED Talks and podcasts urging men to “listen to women” and “believe them, even if it’s against you,” Baldoni now faces allegations of using DARVO tactics (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) to deflect accountability.

[Image: Justin Baldoni at a premiere, caption: Baldoni denies Lively’s claims, calling them defamatory.]

The dispute stems from their collaboration on the 2025 film adaptation of It Ends With Us, a box office hit earning $350 million globally. Lively sued Baldoni in December 2023, alleging sexual harassment, including body-shaming and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million, accusing them of defamation and extortion.

Baldoni’s legal team launched a website (thelawsuitinfo.com) sharing private texts and emails to dispute Lively’s claims, arguing she misrepresented their interactions. Lively’s lawsuit, filed with California’s Civil Rights Department, claims Baldoni harassed her and manipulated the production to undermine her role. “I hope this legal action exposes retaliatory tactics against those who speak up,” Lively told The New York Times.

[Image: It Ends With Us movie poster, caption: The film grossed $148 million domestically.]

The fallout has been severe for Baldoni. Talent agency WME dropped him, and a former publicist filed a separate lawsuit alleging unpaid fees and a toxic work environment. WME denies pressuring Baldoni’s exit, but the controversy has marred his reputation.

Lively, meanwhile, continues promoting her beauty brand, Betty Buzz, sharing Instagram posts from a recent Pilates event. Baldoni, previously known for Jane the Virgin and directing films like Five Feet Apart, faces scrutiny over his alignment with past advocacy.

[Image: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, caption: Reynolds is named in Baldoni’s $400M lawsuit.]

Both parties deny wrongdoing, and the cases may merge into a single federal trial. As the battle unfolds, the outcome could set precedents for accountability in Hollywood and beyond.

Career Context
Lively rose to fame with Gossip Girl and films like A Simple Favor. Baldoni gained recognition for his role in Jane the Virgin and his book Man Enough, tackling modern masculinity. Their collaboration on It Ends With Us—a story about cycles of abuse—now mirrors their real-life conflict, highlighting tensions between advocacy and legal defense.

[Image: Book cover of It Ends With Us, caption: The film adapts Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.]

As lawsuits proceed, the case underscores the complexities of speaking out against misconduct in high-stakes environments.

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