**The film "It Ends With Us" has not only captivated audiences but also sparked public debate over the dynamics between its stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, revealing a narrative filled with legal claims and social media backlash.**
**Behind the Scenes of "It Ends With Us": Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Turbulent Journey**
**Behind the Scenes of "It Ends With Us": Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Turbulent Journey**
**An exploration of the controversies surrounding the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel.**
From the moment it was announced that Justin Baldoni would adapt Colleen Hoover's bestseller "It Ends With Us," anticipation was palpable. Hoover's novel, a cultural phenomenon, has sold over 20 million copies and has garnered immense attention on social media platforms like TikTok. Blake Lively, known for her role in "Gossip Girl," was cast as Lily Bloom, the protagonist who grapples with a turbulent romance while confronting her past experiences with domestic abuse. The movie, released in early August, raked in more than $350 million globally, but it hasn't been without controversy.
Rumors of a feud between Lively and Baldoni began circulating before the film's premiere. Recently, Lively filed a legal complaint against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and defamation, which he vehemently denies. As the press tour kicked off, Lively was often seen promoting her new haircare brand and her husband Ryan Reynolds's gin company, with little emphasis on the film's serious themes. This led to public criticisms regarding the "tone-deaf" approach taken to promote a story centered on domestic violence, with Lively's comments sparking backlash from survivors who felt her language trivialized their experiences.
Notably, Lively and Baldoni avoided being photographed together at the film's New York premiere, and their absence from joint interviews fueled speculation about their relationship. While Lively was lauded for her contributions to the film, Baldoni described her as a "dynamic creative," leaving many to dissect their apparent distance.
Despite achieving box office success, "It Ends With Us" faced mixed reviews, with some critics arguing it romanticizes domestic violence. Discussions on TikTok further revealed that audiences often misunderstood the film's premise, believing it depicted a love story rather than addressing an abusive relationship.
Media reports indicated that Baldoni had enlisted the help of a crisis manager amid the mounting scrutiny of Lively's remarks on the press tour. Shortly after, Lively faced significant backlash online, including resurfacing of controversial past interviews. Defending Lively, her co-star Brandon Sklenar expressed dismay at the vilification she experienced online, emphasizing the film's profound impact on viewers.
As for Lively's legal filing, it alleges repeated harassment and a "hostile work environment" during filming. It claims Baldoni, along with his production team, engaged in behaviors that created undue stress on Lively, with demands proposed at a January meeting aimed at improving the work environment. The legal dispute grew, claiming that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against Lively after she raised concerns.
As support for Lively mounts from fellow actors, including America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel—all of whom starred with her in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"—the narrative surrounding "It Ends With Us" transforms from just a love story to a complex discourse on consent, workplace dynamics, and the portrayal of victims in Hollywood. Amidst the chaos, author Colleen Hoover has publicly voiced her solidarity with Lively, characterizing her as a "kind and supportive" individual.
