AB
The Gossip Girl star accuses her co-star of harassment and a campaign to harm her reputation.
Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, claiming to reveal text messages showing a deliberate attempt to ruin her reputation. The legal documents allege Baldoni and his PR team orchestrated a campaign against her.
In It Ends with Us, the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Lively, 37, plays Lily Blossom Bloom. The character is a florist from Boston who falls in love with an abusive neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Baldoni. Baldoni also directed the film, which premiered in August.
Social media quickly picked up on rumors of a feud between Lively and Baldoni. Despite the buzz, Baldoni previously dismissed the claims, calling Lively “incredible” to work with. In an interview with ELLE UK, he described her as a “Ferrari of an actor.”
However, on Friday (December 21), Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of “repeated sexual harassment” and a calculated effort to damage her public image. She claims to have concrete evidence to back her allegations.
Details of the Alleged Messages
The lawsuit, submitted to the California Civil Rights Department, includes numerous text exchanges allegedly sent between Baldoni and his PR representatives. According to Sky News, Lively’s legal team obtained the messages via subpoena.
The texts reportedly involve Jennifer Abel of RWA Communications, Melissa Nathan of The Agency Group PR, and Baldoni himself. In one exchange, Abel allegedly states that Baldoni wanted to feel like Lively “could be buried,” apparently referencing a plan to harm her career.
Nathan responded cautiously, saying, “Of course—but when we send over documents, we can’t include anything incriminating.” She added, “We can’t write we will destroy her.”
In another alleged message, Abel mentioned having “reckless thoughts” about leaking negative stories about Lively to the press. She wrote, “Just to get ahead of it. She’s putting us through hell.”
In one damning exchange, Baldoni reportedly shared a viral social media thread accusing another celebrity of bullying. He told Abel, “This is what we would need.” Abel replied, reassuring Baldoni that she had already spoken to Nathan about it.
A message dated August 10 reportedly claimed there had been a “shift on social.” Another text suggested the “majority of socials are so pro-Justin,” though the sender admitted not agreeing with many of the posts.
Additional Allegations Against Baldoni
The lawsuit further alleges that Baldoni caused delays during filming by having emotional breakdowns in Lively’s dressing room. The documents claim Baldoni was upset over paparazzi photos, saying they made Lively look “old and unattractive.” Lively allegedly tried to calm him, explaining the photos reflected her character’s emotional state after abuse, rather than emphasizing glamour.
The complaint also accuses Baldoni of routinely criticizing Lively’s “age and weight” and making degrading comments.
An “all-hands” meeting was reportedly held to address production issues. According to NBC News, the meeting included Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni, and executives from Sony Pictures and Wayfarer Studios.
Lively Speaks Out
Following the public revelation of the lawsuit’s details, Lively’s attorney released a statement to The New York Times. On behalf of the actress, the statement read: “I hope my legal action exposes these retaliatory tactics used to silence people who speak up about misconduct. I also hope it protects others from similar treatment.”
