The drama surrounding the romantic drama It Ends With Us just reached new heights. The feud between Blake Lively and her co-star/director Justin Baldoni is spiraling into one of Hollywood’s most contentious legal battles, complete with lawsuits, leaked voice notes, and high-profile interventions from Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift.
Here’s a breakdown of the fiery feud that has everyone talking.
The “Khaleesi” Comparison That Sparked Controversy
During a heated dispute over creative changes to a rooftop scene in It Ends With Us, Blake Lively allegedly compared herself to Khaleesi, the powerful Game of Thrones character. Referring to her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and best friend, Taylor Swift, as her “dragons,” she implied they gave her the strength to push through her creative battles.
While Reynolds and Swift praised Lively’s vision, Baldoni initially offered a lukewarm response, which reportedly upset Lively. Exclusive text messages from Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Lively reveal the tension between the two.
Lively wrote:
“They [Reynolds and Swift] also know I’m not always good at making sure I’m seen and utilized for fear of threatening egos, or fear of affecting the ease of the process. They don’t give a sh-t about that. And because of that, everyone listens to them with immense respect and enthusiasm. So I guess I have to stop worrying about people liking me.”
The Leaked Voicemail: Baldoni’s Emotional Response
In a leaked six-and-a-half-minute voicemail from Baldoni to Lively, the director addressed her “dragons” remark while apologizing for any perceived lack of support.
“Damn right, you got great friends,” Baldoni admitted in the voice note. “If that’s how you felt and they knew that. F-ck. We should all have friends like that, aside from the fact they’re two of the most creative people on the planet… The three of you guys together is unbelievable.”
He went on to praise Lively’s creative input, saying:
“I just wanted you to know, I didn’t need [Reynolds and Swift] to see the brilliance in your changes. It’s really good, and it’s going to make the movie sing like you said.”Baldoni also reflected on their collaboration:
“You and I have been trying to build a relationship, which I think we’ve done successfully. I was so damn excited when you agreed to do this film.”
Escalating Legal Drama
While the voicemail offered a glimpse of camaraderie, the relationship between Lively and Baldoni has deteriorated, culminating in Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit. The legal case includes allegations of defamation and contractual interference, with Baldoni’s team preparing to subpoena Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift as part of the proceedings.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lively has filed a civil rights complaint against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment during the filming of a romantic dance scene. Lively alleges that Baldoni dragged his lips down her neck and whispered, “It smells so good.”
Unedited Footage Challenges Lively’s Claims
In a twist, newly surfaced, unedited footage from the scene appears to contradict Lively’s accusations. The video shows a candid and professional dynamic between the two, with lighthearted exchanges and collaborative dialogue.
At one point, Baldoni jokingly asks, “Am I getting beard on you?” Lively laughs and responds, “I’m probably getting spray tan on you.” Baldoni’s reply, “It smells good,” elicits more laughter from Lively.
The tone of the footage starkly contrasts with Lively’s allegations, leaving fans and industry insiders debating who’s telling the truth.
What Hollywood Is Saying About the Scandal
The feud between Lively and Baldoni has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with several influential figures weighing in on the controversy.
1. Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds, known for his humor, has stayed relatively quiet but reportedly told a close friend:
“Blake has my full support, as always. She’s got an incredible vision, and I trust her instincts.”
2. Taylor Swift
Swift, who is famously close to Lively, cryptically posted on Instagram:
“Protect your energy. The real ones will know.” Fans immediately speculated that the post was aimed at Baldoni.
3. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is friends with both Lively and Baldoni, expressed her hope for resolution:
“They’re both talented individuals, and I hope this gets worked out behind closed doors.”
4. Emilia Clarke (Khaleesi from Game of Thrones)
When asked about Lively’s Khaleesi comparison, Clarke laughed and said:
“Everyone’s a Khaleesi in their own way. Blake’s dragons sound pretty awesome.”
5. Jennifer Aniston
Aniston, who worked with Baldoni in the past, shared her thoughts during an interview:
“Justin is one of the most professional people I’ve worked with. But I don’t know the details of this situation, so I hope it’s resolved amicably.”
6. Anne Hathaway
Lively’s former The Age of Adaline co-star Anne Hathaway supported her publicly, saying:
“Blake is a powerhouse. She’s always been clear about her values, and I admire her for that.”
What’s Next for “It Ends With Us”?
As the legal drama unfolds, production on It Ends With Us remains uncertain. While fans eagerly await the film, the behind-the-scenes chaos has overshadowed the project, leaving many wondering if the movie will ever hit the big screen.
With new revelations emerging daily, one thing is clear: the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni feud is far from over.
FAQs About the “It Ends With Us” Drama
1. Why is Blake Lively being sued by Justin Baldoni?
Baldoni is suing Lively for $400 million, alleging defamation and interference with the production of It Ends With Us.
2. What did Blake Lively mean by “dragons”?
Lively referred to her husband Ryan Reynolds and best friend Taylor Swift as her “dragons,” implying they give her strength and support.
3. Did Justin Baldoni sexually harass Blake Lively?
Lively has accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior during a romantic scene, but newly surfaced footage appears to challenge her claims.
4. What role does Ryan Reynolds play in the drama?
Reynolds has shown support for his wife but has not made any official public statements regarding the lawsuit.
5. How has Taylor Swift reacted to the controversy?
Swift posted a cryptic message on Instagram that fans believe is directed at Baldoni, showing solidarity with Lively.
6. Will It Ends With Us still be released?
The fate of the film is uncertain as the legal drama between Lively and Baldoni continues to escalate.
What do you think about the ongoing feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni? Whose side are you on? Let us know in the comments!
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