“Hollywood’s most explosive legal battle just got even MESSIER. Blake Lively’s lawsuit against her “”It Ends With Us”” co-star and director Justin Baldoni has taken a shocking turn after a federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s massive $400 MILLION countersuit – but the drama is FAR from over.
What started as whispers about on-set tension has erupted into a full-blown war involving sexual harassment allegations, smear campaigns, and even Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift. The truth about what really happened behind the scenes is finally emerging – and it’s absolutely DEVASTATING.
Sources close to the production reveal details that will make your jaw DROP. Buckle up, because this story goes DEEP.
**The Sexual Harassment Allegations That Started It All**
It all began in December 2024 when Blake Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit accusing Justin Baldoni, 41, of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of “”It Ends With Us,”” the romantic drama based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.
According to court documents, Lively alleged that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior on set and then orchestrated a calculated smear campaign against her when she raised concerns about his conduct.
“”Blake felt unsafe and uncomfortable from day one,”” reveals a production insider who witnessed the alleged incidents. “”She tried to handle things professionally, going through proper channels, but when she spoke up, that’s when things got REALLY ugly.””
The lawsuit details specific instances of alleged harassment, including unwanted physical contact, inappropriate comments, and a hostile work environment that Lively claims affected her ability to do her job. She also accused Baldoni of using his position as both her co-star and director to manipulate situations and retaliate against her complaints.
“”Justin had all the power,”” the source continues. “”He was the director, the producer, and the male lead. Blake was completely vulnerable. When she pushed back, he allegedly used every tool at his disposal to make her look like the problem.””
The allegations sent shockwaves through Hollywood, especially given that “”It Ends With Us”” is a film about domestic abuse and toxic relationships. The irony was not lost on observers.
**Baldoni’s $400 MILLION Countersuit – And Its SHOCKING Dismissal**
Justin Baldoni did not go quietly. In January 2025, he fired back with not one but TWO explosive lawsuits.
First, he filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming the publication’s exposé about Lively’s allegations was defamatory and based on false information.
Then came the nuclear option: a $400 million defamation lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York against Blake Lively, her superstar husband Ryan Reynolds, their powerful publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane’s firm Vision PR.
Baldoni’s legal team accused the quartet of orchestrating an elaborate smear campaign to destroy his reputation and career. The lawsuit claimed they spread false narratives about his behavior, manipulated media coverage, and used their combined star power to turn public opinion against him.
“”Blake and Ryan are two of the most powerful people in Hollywood,”” Baldoni’s attorney argued in court filings. “”They have the connections, the resources, and the platform to destroy anyone who crosses them. That’s exactly what they tried to do to Justin.””
But here’s where it gets CRAZY: In June 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed BOTH of Baldoni’s lawsuits. The $400 million countersuit against Lively was formally tossed out, with the judge ruling that Baldoni failed to meet the legal threshold for his claims.
Legal experts called it a “”devastating blow”” to Baldoni’s case and a major victory for Lively.
**The Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift Connection You DIDN’T See Coming**
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of this legal saga is how deep the connections run in Hollywood’s A-list circle.
Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit specifically named Ryan Reynolds, Blake’s husband, accusing him of using his influence to damage Baldoni’s reputation. But the connections don’t stop there.
Court documents revealed that Taylor Swift – yes, THAT Taylor Swift – was mentioned in the filings due to her close friendship with Blake Lively. Sources suggest that Swift’s massive platform and influence may have played a role in shaping public perception of the case, though she has not been directly accused of any wrongdoing.
“”Blake and Taylor are incredibly close,”” notes a Hollywood insider. “”When Blake was going through this nightmare, Taylor was one of her biggest supporters. She didn’t publicly comment, but behind the scenes, she was there for Blake 100%.””
The involvement of such high-profile celebrities turned what could have been a standard employment dispute into a media circus. Every court filing, every social media post, and every public appearance was dissected by millions of fans worldwide.
“”This stopped being about just Blake and Justin a long time ago,”” explains entertainment attorney Michael Roberts, who is not involved in the case. “”This became a referendum on power dynamics in Hollywood, Me Too, and how we treat women who speak up about abuse. The stakes couldn’t be higher.””
**The “”Birth Video”” Scandal That Has Everyone TALKING**
In a bizarre twist that emerged in November 2025, a judge made a “”shocking demand”” related to Blake Lively’s “”sensitive birth video”” – though details remain sealed under court order.
Legal observers speculate that this evidence may be related to the timeline of events or to establishing the emotional state and power dynamics during the production period. Whatever the content, the judge’s handling of this material has become a major talking point in legal circles.
“”Judges don’t make unusual demands about evidence unless it’s potentially game-changing,”” notes Roberts. “”The fact that this involves such personal material suggests there’s something significant there.””
Blake’s legal team has fought to keep certain personal materials private, arguing that their release would constitute an invasion of privacy unrelated to the actual allegations. But Baldoni’s team has countered that all evidence of the relationship dynamics is relevant to proving their client’s innocence.
**What Happens NEXT?**
Blake Lively’s original lawsuit against Justin Baldoni remains ACTIVE and is scheduled for trial in March 2026. Despite Baldoni’s failed countersuits, he still has the opportunity to defend himself against her allegations in court.
Legal experts predict a dramatic courtroom showdown with testimony from dozens of witnesses, including cast and crew members from “”It Ends With Us,”” industry executives, and potentially even other celebrities.
“”This trial is going to be explosive,”” predicts Roberts. “”Both sides have everything to lose. Blake is fighting for her reputation and to hold someone accountable for alleged abuse. Justin is fighting to clear his name and save his career. It’s going to get ugly.””
Justin Baldoni is reportedly preparing a “”bid to avoid trial”” according to recent court filings, though the specific legal strategy remains unclear. Some speculate he may seek a settlement, while others believe he’s pursuing a motion for summary judgment.
Meanwhile, Blake Lively has postponed her deposition multiple times, with her latest scheduled appearance being delayed according to November reports. Her legal team cites scheduling conflicts and the complexity of the case.
One thing is certain: When this case finally goes to trial in March 2026, it will be one of the most watched celebrity legal battles in years. The truth about what really happened on the set of “”It Ends With Us”” will finally be revealed – and Hollywood will never be the same.”
