Blake Lively Vs. Justin Baldoni: A Timeline Of Their Legal Dispute

The dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni began during the filming of 'It Ends With Us,' based on Colleen Hoover's novel. In December 2024, Lively accused her co-star and director of sexual harassment and efforts to damage her career. Her complaint to the California Civil Rights Department described a hostile work environment, including inappropriate on-set behavior. The conflict has since escalated, revealing behind-the-scenes tensions in the anticipated film. Here’s a timeline of events.

December 20, 2024: Blake Lively Files Complaint

Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of 'It Ends With Us.' The complaint detailed instances of inappropriate behavior, including unsolicited touching during a slow-dancing scene.

December 21, 2024: Talent Agency Drops Baldoni

Following the allegations, talent agency WME dropped Justin Baldoni as a client. This decision was influenced by the severity of the accusations and the potential impact on Baldoni's professional relationships.

December 22, 2024: Colleen Hoover's Support

Colleen Hoover, author of 'It Ends With Us,' publicly supported Blake Lively, stating, "Never wilt." This endorsement added significant weight to Lively's claims, given Hoover's association with the project.

December 23, 2024: Podcast Co-Host Resigns

Liz Plank, co-host of Justin Baldoni's 'Man Enough' podcast, resigned in light of the allegations. Plank expressed her commitment to supporting individuals who call out injustice, indicating a stance against Baldoni amidst the controversy.

December 24, 2024: Sony Pictures' Statement

Sony Pictures, involved in the distribution of 'It Ends With Us,' released a statement condemning any reputational attacks on Blake Lively. The company emphasized that such actions have no place in the industry or society.

December 31, 2024: Lively Files Lawsuit

Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, alleging that he and his public relations team orchestrated a plan to undermine her reputation in retaliation for her complaints about sexual misconduct on set. The lawsuit named Baldoni, his film studio Wayfarer, and public relations representatives Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel.

January 1, 2025: Baldoni Sues The New York Times

Justin Baldoni filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against 'The New York Times,' accusing the publication of pushing an "unverified and self-serving narrative" based on Blake Lively's allegations. The lawsuit claimed that the newspaper used "cherry-picked and altered communications" and omitted context.

January 16, 2025: Baldoni's Countersuit

Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloan, alleging civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. The complaint claimed that Lively attempted to hijack control of the movie with demands and threats, and despite getting most of what she wanted, accused Baldoni of a smear campaign to deflect attention from her own misjudgments.

January 19, 2025: Baldoni Releases On-Set Video

Justin Baldoni released a 10-minute video of the slow-dancing scene in question, aiming to refute Blake Lively's allegations. The footage showed the actors engaging in casual conversation, which Baldoni's legal team argued demonstrated professional behavior. Lively's team contended that the video corroborated her claims, highlighting unsolicited touches and her apparent discomfort.