LOS ANGELES: A high-profile legal feud between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is unfolding in a courtroom battle that could have far-reaching consequences for the entertainment industry.
The dispute, centred on the production of It Ends With Us, has evolved from allegations of sexual harassment and defamation into a broader debate on creative control, industry power dynamics, and media influence.
Lively, 37, who stars in and executive produces the film, has accused Baldoni, the film’s director and co-star, of orchestrating a “retaliatory smear campaign” after she allegedly faced inappropriate behaviour on set.
In response, Baldoni has denied all allegations and countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and even The New York Times, claiming a deliberate effort to tarnish his reputation.
Court ruling on phone records
A recent legal development saw a federal judge ruling against part of Lively’s subpoena for Baldoni’s phone records, deeming it “overly intrusive.”
Judge Lewis J. Liman stated in his ruling that Lively’s request for communications dating back to 2022 was “disproportionate to the needs of the case.”
However, the court allowed her legal team to amend and refine their request to focus on individuals directly linked to the alleged smear campaign.
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, hailed the ruling as a significant victory, accusing Lively’s legal team of a “desperate fishing expedition.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, Freedman said, “The court saw their efforts for what they really are: a baseless attempt to salvage their debunked claims long after they already damaged our clients’ reputations.”
Lively’s team, however, pushed back, questioning why Baldoni was resisting transparency.
“After promising to release all the ‘receipts,’ Freedman ran into court to keep secret the phone records of who Baldoni and his associates were contacting during their retaliatory campaign,” a spokesperson for Lively stated.
Industry implications
Beyond the personal legal battle, the case has triggered discussions about creative control in Hollywood, particularly in the age of streaming.
Industry analysts suggest that streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have reshaped filmmaking, giving actors and producers more influence over content creation—often challenging the traditional authority of directors and studios.
“This case is not just about two celebrities; it’s about the broader shift in Hollywood’s power structure,” said entertainment lawyer Lisa Goodman in an interview with Variety.
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“Streaming services have empowered creatives, but this lawsuit highlights the growing friction between artistic control and corporate interests.”
Lively’s security measures
Amid the legal battle, Lively has reportedly taken drastic security measures, enlisting the expertise of former CIA deputy chief of staff, Nick Shapiro, as her crisis manager.
Her team confirmed his involvement, stating he was brought in to advise on “legal communications strategy.”
Meanwhile, the case has sparked fierce media debate, with conservative commentator Megyn Kelly branding Lively as “deceitful” in a widely circulated critique.
Kelly’s remarks have only intensified public interest, with commentators weighing in on whether the legal battle is a genuine fight for justice or an industry power play.
With both parties refusing mediation, the case is set to go to trial in March 2026, making it one of the most closely watched legal battles in Hollywood.
Legal experts predict that the outcome could influence future contract negotiations, on-set behaviour policies, and even the role of the media in shaping public perception.
