5 Shocking Allegations: Inside The Explosive $161 Million Lawsuit Filed By Blake Lively Against Justin Baldoni

The simmering tension between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has erupted into one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent memory, centered on their collaboration on the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, It Ends With Us. As of today, December 12, 2025, the core of the controversy is a massive sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed by Lively against her co-star and director, Baldoni, revealing a toxic and allegedly volatile environment behind the scenes of the highly anticipated movie. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the allegations, the legal back-and-forth, and the latest status of the $161 million case that has rocked the entertainment industry.

The legal drama is a complex web of accusations, counter-allegations, and motions to dismiss, painting a picture far removed from the romantic on-screen dynamic fans expected. Lively's legal team has accused Baldoni of egregious misconduct, while Baldoni’s side maintains a staunch denial, suggesting the claims were weaponized to gain creative control over the production. The case has been closely watched by legal experts and fans alike, raising serious questions about power dynamics on a major film set.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni: A Dual Career Profile

The central figures in this legal storm are two established actors and filmmakers, each with a significant footprint in Hollywood prior to the It Ends With Us controversy.

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Blake Lively: Actress, Entrepreneur, and Producer

• Full Name: Blake Ellender Brown (Professionally known as Blake Lively)
• Born: August 25, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Lively first gained widespread fame for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in the hit teen drama series Gossip Girl. Her notable film work includes The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor, and The Shallows.
• Personal Life: She is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, with whom she shares multiple children.
• Other Ventures: Lively is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded the non-alcoholic mixer company, Betty Buzz.

Justin Baldoni: Actor, Director, and Advocate

• Full Name: Justin Louis Baldoni
• Born: January 24, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Baldoni is best known for his role as Rafael Solano on The CW's critically acclaimed telenovela, Jane the Virgin. He has also moved successfully into directing, helming popular films such as Five Feet Apart and Clouds.
• Filmmaking Philosophy: He is a vocal advocate for positive masculinity and founded the production company Wayfarer Studios, which focuses on purpose-driven content.
• Role in Controversy: Baldoni served as both the director and co-star (playing Ryle Kincaid) alongside Lively (playing Lily Bloom) on It Ends With Us.

The Five Core Allegations in Lively's Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

The legal complaint filed by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni is comprehensive, alleging a pattern of inappropriate behavior, boundary-crossing, and subsequent retaliation after she voiced her concerns. The lawsuit is reportedly seeking $161 million in damages, a staggering figure that underscores the severity of the claims.

1. Inappropriate Behavior During Intimate Scenes

Lively’s lawsuit claims that Baldoni repeatedly crossed boundaries during the filming of intimate scenes for It Ends With Us. The complaint specifically cites raw footage of a dance scene between the two actors, which Lively's legal team has presented as evidence of the alleged inappropriate behavior and lack of professional conduct on Baldoni's part.

2. Alleged Comments on Consent

A highly damaging element of the lawsuit involves an alleged statement Baldoni made during a car ride with Lively, her driver, and an assistant. According to the complaint, Baldoni said, "Did I always ask for consent? No. Did I always listen when they said no? No." This quote has been highlighted by Lively's team as a critical piece of evidence regarding Baldoni's alleged disregard for consent.

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3. Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

The central charge is that Baldoni created a hostile work environment through continuous sexual harassment, making the set a difficult place for Lively to work. The complaint suggests that Baldoni’s actions were pervasive and unprofessional, leading to a breakdown in the working relationship.

4. Retaliation and Campaign to "Destroy" Lively's Reputation

The lawsuit is not just about harassment; it also includes a claim of retaliation. Lively alleges that after she made her initial complaints, Baldoni initiated a campaign to "destroy" her reputation within the industry. This is a critical component of the $161 million claim, suggesting a deliberate effort to harm her career.

5. Baldoni's Counter-Allegation of Creative Control

In a dramatic turn, Baldoni’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case, alleging that Lively’s sexual harassment claims were false and were instead a tactic to gain creative control over the film. The defense suggests that Lively, leveraging her power, threatened to withdraw from the production to influence the creative direction.

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The Tumultuous Legal Timeline and Current Status

The legal battle has been characterized by aggressive maneuvers from both sides, including lawsuits, countersuits, and motions to dismiss, all of which have kept the case in the headlines.

The Initial Filing and Baldoni's Denial

Blake Lively originally filed her sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December 2024. Baldoni’s publicist and legal team immediately issued a scathing denial, asserting that the claims were baseless and that Baldoni had received "threats by two extremely powerful people" during the production.

The Dismissal of Baldoni’s Countersuit

In a significant victory for Lively, a judge recently dismissed a massive $400 million lawsuit that Justin Baldoni had filed against her. Baldoni’s suit, which was a countersuit to Lively’s original complaint, was thrown out, signaling a major setback for his defense strategy.

The Battle Over Dismissal and Trial Postponement

Following the dismissal of his countersuit, Baldoni filed a motion to dismiss Lively's original $161 million claim, presenting what he argued was new evidence. Lively’s legal team has since filed a rejection of this motion, arguing that Baldoni is simply trying to "avoid accountability" for his alleged actions.

The highly anticipated trial, which was initially scheduled to begin in March 2026, has been postponed by the judge for two months. This delay allows more time for pre-trial motions and evidence gathering in what is clearly a protracted and complex legal fight.

The Impact on the ‘It Ends With Us’ Franchise and Public Opinion

The scandal has cast a massive shadow over the release and reception of the *It Ends With Us* movie, which is based on Colleen Hoover’s immensely popular book. The author herself has spoken out, stating she is "trying to stay removed" from the legal battle between her lead actors, acknowledging that she has her "own story" to tell about the experience.

The controversy has sparked widespread public debate on social media platforms, with fans of the book and the actors divided on who to believe. The allegations have reignited discussions about the importance of intimacy coordinators on set, workplace safety, and the use of legal action to settle creative and personal disputes in the film industry. As the trial date approaches, all eyes remain on the New York courthouse, where the fate of this high-stakes legal battle will ultimately be decided.