In a significant escalation of the legal dispute between Blake Lively and her co-star Justin Baldoni, an amended complaint filed by Lively has brought to light a series of “shocking” text messages and detailed allegations of inappropriate behavior on the set of their film, “It Ends With Us.” These revelations have not only intensified the lawsuit but have also reportedly had a profound impact on Lively’s family, with claims that her children are “traumatized” by the ongoing situation.
Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior
The amended complaint, submitted in February 2025, includes nearly 50 additional pages outlining instances where Lively and other female cast members felt uncomfortable due to Baldoni’s conduct. Text messages cited in the complaint reveal Lively referring to Baldoni as a “creep” and expressing distress over his actions. Specific allegations include unsolicited sexual comments, discussions about his personal issues, and improvisation of intimate scenes without prior consent. One particularly distressing incident involved co-producer Jamey Heath sending Lively a video of his wife giving birth, which she found invasive and inappropriate. These experiences, according to Lively, created a hostile work environment and led to significant emotional distress.
Impact on Family
Beyond the professional ramifications, Lively asserts that the turmoil has deeply affected her personal life. In her complaint, she describes severe anxiety and physical symptoms resulting from the stress, which have, in turn, impacted her four children—James, Inez, Betty, and Olin. The children are reportedly “traumatized” by the situation, leading to emotional upheaval within the family. Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, has also been mentally and professionally affected by the ongoing dispute. The family has found it challenging to maintain normalcy amidst the public scrutiny and legal battles.
Legal Counteractions
In response to Lively’s allegations, Baldoni has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has filed a countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, seeking $400 million in damages for defamation and extortion. Baldoni’s legal team contends that Lively’s claims are baseless and have been fabricated to tarnish his reputation and wrest creative control of the film. Both parties have rejected court-mediated settlement attempts, and a trial is potentially scheduled for March 2026. The legal proceedings have become increasingly contentious, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives and substantial claims.
Media and Public Perception
The lawsuit has attracted extensive media attention, with various outlets adopting differing stances. Some publications have portrayed Baldoni in a favorable light, dismissing Lively’s allegations, while others have shown sympathy towards Lively, focusing on her emotional distress and the impact on her family. This polarized media coverage has further complicated public perception, contributing to the emotional strain experienced by those involved.
Ongoing Developments
As the legal battle progresses, both parties continue to stand firm in their positions. Lively’s legal team is seeking to dismiss Baldoni’s countersuit, labeling it as “utterly meritless,” while Baldoni’s representatives argue that Lively’s allegations are part of a calculated attempt to damage his career. The situation remains fluid, with new information and developments emerging as the case moves towards trial.
In summary, the amended complaint filed by Blake Lively has introduced serious allegations of inappropriate behavior and detailed the profound impact of the dispute on her family. The legal confrontation with Justin Baldoni has escalated, encompassing claims of defamation, emotional distress, and significant financial damages. As both sides prepare for a potential trial, the case continues to unfold, drawing significant public and media attention.