It Ends With Us has become one of the most talked about films since its release in 2024, but it has not all been positive news. The film’s leads, Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are now embroiled in a bitter legal battle: the actress filed her initial complaint to the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024. In it, she accused the actor and director of “severe emotional distress” during filming.
Things have escalated in recent months and both parties have filed lawsuits, resulting in intense media coverage and a he-said, she-said battle between Lively and Baldoni. The public has also picked sides, and representatives for both stars have issued statements to the media. Still, the most recent statement made on Lively’s behalf grabbed our attention because it sends a clear message about how she does not want to be portrayed in the media.
The statement comes after The Hollywood Reporter penned an article about the allegations made by Lively and Baldoni’s teams and created an accompanying illustration of them for their magazine cover. The image depicts them at war. The controversial decision shows Baldoni in the forefront and Lively behind him, holding a slingshot. She is also carrying what appears to be a mobile phone. Baldoni holds the best-selling book by Colleen Hoover (on which the film was based) and what seems to be a rope in his hand.
The Reactions To The Illustration Of Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Is Mixed
Lively’s team did not take the depiction lightly, and a spokesperson told Us Weekly: “The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself.”
The statement continues: “The framing in this picture is outrageously insulting as it plays into every sexist trope about women who dare file a workplace complaint, turning them into the aggressor, and suggesting they deserve the retaliation that comes their way. In addition, the story is extremely offensive as it incredibly seems to explain away documented examples of sexual harassment and retaliation by calling them ‘cultural misunderstandings.’”
Lively’s team has expressed disdain toward the publication, but social media reactions to the image have been mixed. “The fact that this cover actually made it to print says a lot about the lack of judgment behind the scenes,” a comment reads. Others have also remarked on the cover; while some find it humorous, others feel it inappropriate.
We also mentioned that people have been taking sides in the battle between Lively and Baldoni and this is evident in the comment section of the post. There are messages about “justice” for Baldoni. Others have made fun of Lively, saying, “Did Blake ask for Final Cut of this?” “Blake needs a floral print,” and “I’m so tired of Blake and her huge ego.”
It will be over a year before the lawsuits are resolved, as trial dates are set for March 9, 2026.
