Blake Lively Files Lawsuit Against 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Justin Baldoni

Lively alleges sexual harassment, retaliation and a smear campaign by Baldoni and his associates

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Actress Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and several associates, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and a coordinated smear campaign against her. The lawsuit comes after Lively previously filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department making similar allegations. Baldoni and his team have denied the claims and filed a countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, accusing them of defamation and civil extortion.

Why it matters

This high-profile legal battle between the stars of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel highlights the ongoing issues of sexual misconduct and retaliation in the entertainment industry, even on major film productions. The case has drawn widespread attention and sparked debates around workplace harassment, the challenges of speaking up, and the tactics some may use to discredit accusers.

The details

According to Lively's lawsuit, she and other cast and crew members 'experienced invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior' by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath during the filming of 'It Ends With Us'. Lively alleges that after she voiced concerns, Baldoni and his associates launched a 'sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation,' including a smear campaign against her. Baldoni's team has denied the allegations and accused Lively of orchestrating her own 'smear campaign' against them.

  • On Dec. 20, 2024, Lively filed a California Civil Rights Department (CRD) complaint against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and several associates.
  • On Dec. 21, 2024, The New York Times published a report about the alleged retaliatory smear campaign against Lively.
  • On Dec. 31, 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and others in New York.
  • On Jan. 16, 2025, Baldoni, Wayfarer, and others filed a countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and others in New York.

The players

Blake Lively

An American actress who starred in the film adaptation of 'It Ends With Us' and has filed lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by her co-star Justin Baldoni and his associates.

Justin Baldoni

An American actor, director, and producer who starred in and directed the film adaptation of 'It Ends With Us'. He and his production company Wayfarer Studios have been accused of sexual harassment and retaliation by Blake Lively.

Wayfarer Studios

A production company co-founded by Justin Baldoni that was involved in the film adaptation of 'It Ends With Us' and has been named in the lawsuits filed by Blake Lively.

Jamey Heath

The CEO of Wayfarer Studios, who has also been accused of inappropriate behavior by Blake Lively.

Ryan Reynolds

Blake Lively's husband, who has been named in a countersuit filed by Baldoni and his associates.

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What they’re saying

“Like so many others, I've felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don't have the resources to fight back.”

— Blake Lively (Instagram)

“This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim. This is what experts call DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender.”

— Blake Lively's legal team (E! News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the motion to dismiss Baldoni's countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and others in the coming months.

The takeaway

This high-profile legal battle highlights the ongoing challenges victims of sexual harassment and retaliation face when speaking out, even in the entertainment industry. The case has sparked important conversations about workplace misconduct, the tactics used to discredit accusers, and the need for greater accountability and protection for those who come forward.