Takeaways:
- Justin Baldoni alleges that Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift pressured him to accept Blake Lively’s rewrite of a key scene in It Ends With Us.
- The lawsuit reveals behind-the-scenes tensions, including alleged texts from Lively likening Reynolds and Swift to “stage moms”.
- This lawsuit follows Lively’s earlier claims of a “hostile work environment” on set, intensifying the dispute.
In a dramatic escalation of Hollywood tensions, actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Taylor Swift, accusing them of pressuring him to accept a rewrite of It Ends With Us. The lawsuit, filed on January 16, 2025, comes weeks after Lively filed her own complaint alleging misconduct on set.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
Baldoni, 40, directed and stars in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us. According to the 179-page lawsuit, Blake Lively proposed changes to a rooftop scene where her character Lily Bloom meets Baldoni’s Ryle Kincaid. Baldoni claims he was reluctant to approve her rewrite but agreed to review it. Lively’s version, he alleges, was “dramatically different” and led to heated disagreements.
Baldoni’s complaint includes alleged text messages from Lively describing her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and close friend Taylor Swift as her “Dance Moms level stage moms.” The lawsuit states that Baldoni was summoned to a meeting at Reynolds’ New York penthouse, where Swift praised Lively’s version of the scene, creating what Baldoni perceived as undue pressure.
“Khaleesi and Her Dragons”
In text exchanges included in the complaint, Lively reportedly referred to herself as Khaleesi from Game of Thrones, calling Reynolds and Swift her “dragons.” She allegedly added, “They protect those I fight for. You will too, I can promise you.”
The lawsuit also highlights Lively’s comments about her passion for the project. In interviews, she expressed pride in earning her first executive producer credit and said her off-screen contributions far exceeded her acting role.
Previous Allegations and Countersuits
This legal battle follows Lively’s December 20 filing accusing Baldoni of fostering a “hostile work environment.” Her lawsuit detailed instances of alleged unprofessional behavior, including an improvised birth scene without prior discussion or an intimacy coordinator.
Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times for its article, “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.” He claims the publication misrepresented facts and omitted critical context.
The Role of Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift
Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift’s involvement adds a unique twist to the ongoing feud. According to Baldoni, their influence exacerbated tensions on set. The lawsuit portrays Reynolds as confrontational during a meeting and Swift as using her celebrity status to bolster Lively’s position.
Swift’s song “my tears ricochet” features prominently in the film’s trailer and soundtrack. At the New York premiere, Lively revealed that Reynolds wrote the rooftop scene that sparked the dispute.
Hollywood Fallout
This lawsuit highlights the complexities of collaboration in high-stakes Hollywood productions. Baldoni’s claims, coupled with Lively’s accusations, underscore the challenges of balancing creative visions and personal dynamics.
While the courts will determine the outcome, the public fallout has already drawn significant attention, with fans and critics alike debating the implications for the industry’s culture.