What began as a promising on-screen collaboration has spiraled into one of Hollywood’s most acrimonious legal battles.
The formerly private feud between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has exploded into a very public spectacle, with lawsuits totaling millions of dollars, scandalous accusations, and a plethora of leaked documents and text messages.
Now, Fox Nation’s latest special, “Blake vs. Justin: It Didn’t End With Us,” delves into the complexities of this high-profile feud, providing viewers with an in-depth look at how these former colleagues became adversaries.
Before their rift, Lively and Baldoni were regarded as two of Hollywood’s most affable personalities. Lively gained prominence portraying Serena van der Woodsen on the CW’s “Gossip Girl,” swiftly becoming a fashion icon and a beloved figure among fans.
“Every girl aspired to be like her,” notes pop culture expert Lauren Conlin in the special.
BLAKE LIVELY VS. JUSTIN BALDONI: EVERYTHING TO KNOW
Baldoni, well-known for his portrayal of Rafael Solano in “Jane the Virgin,” transitioned into producing, taking the lead on the much-anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel “It Ends with Us,” where he also starred alongside Lively.
Former “It Ends With Us’ costars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, who are now entrenched in a fierce legal battle. (Fox Nation)
The turmoil began when production on the film was halted due to national writers’ and actors’ strikes. According to legal documents from Baldoni’s team obtained by Fox News Digital, Lively and Baldoni initially maintained a cordial working relationship.
“They texted nearly every day, and a friendly banter established a comfortable dynamic that, under normal circumstances, would have made working together a breeze,” the document states.
However, tensions mounted during the strike when Lively presented Baldoni with a 17-point list of requirements she insisted on before returning to set. These demands included forbidding “spontaneous improvisation” during physical scenes, prohibiting remarks about her appearance, and limiting discussions about personal experiences involving sex or nudity.
“She essentially implied that there were issues in the workplace, indicating that the workplace wasn’t as safe as it should be,” argues criminal defense attorney Jonna Spilbor in the Fox Nation special.
BLAKE LIVELY AND JUSTIN BALDONI LAWSUIT: MESSAGES EXPOSE ALLEGED LIES, THREATS AND INTIMATE SECRETS
While Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, agreed to Lively’s terms and signed the revised contract, the drama did not end there.
After an uncomfortable press tour for the film, during which Lively faced severe criticism, the actress accused Baldoni and his production company of sexual harassment and of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. In her complaint to the California Civil Rights Department, she detailed a hostile work environment and a coordinated effort to tarnish her reputation.
Baldoni hit back, refuting all allegations and initiating a counter-suit.
Justin Baldoni included screenshots of alleged text message interactions with Blake Lively in the amended complaint. (Justin Baldoni amended complaint)
In addition to the updated lawsuit, Baldoni presented a detailed timeline of events – including texts and emails involving the actors, intimacy coordinators, and producers – as evidence to refute Lively’s claims of being sexually harassed on the set of the project where he served as director.
He also filed a massive $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging that their coverage further damaged his reputation.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, “Blake Vs Justin: It Didn’t End With Us” brings together entertainment reporters, legal experts, and familiar Fox News personalities to dissect the controversy, explore its ramifications, and investigate how this high-profile feud might reshape the future of Hollywood.
Don’t miss the exclusive in-depth investigation premiering on Thursday, March 6, on Fox Nation.
Fox Nation special “Blake vs. Justin: It Didn’t End With Us” (Fox Nation)
Fox News’ Lauryn Overhultz and Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
