The fiery legal feud between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken another dramatic twist thanks to newly released behind-the-scenes footage from the production. Baldoni claims that it debunks Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment on set.
Raw video from #ItEndsWithUs reveals some very telling conversation between #BlakeLively and #JustinBaldoni.
Read the full story on why this particular scene is especially relevant to their ongoing legal battle: https://t.co/Nioc0QmtCS
🎥: Courtesy of Bryan Freedman pic.twitter.com/nzSdYu5KBO
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 21, 2025
The nearly 10-minute video, shared by Baldoni’s legal team, features a slow dance scene between Lively’s Lily Bloom and Baldoni’s Ryle Kincaid. Lively previously cited this scene in her lawsuit, accusing Baldoni of making inappropriate comments about her fragrance during filming. However, the footage, which includes mic’d-up audio of both actors, appears to show a collaborative atmosphere as the pair discuss camera angles, lighting, and choreography.
Baldoni’s Case: “Proof of Professionalism”
The video opens with a title card from Baldoni’s team stating that the footage demonstrates “mutual respect and professionalism.” In one moment, Lively jokes about her spray tan rubbing off on Baldoni, and in another, she comments on his beard irritating her during a kiss sequence. Baldoni’s team argues that this casual banter is inconsistent with Lively’s claims of inappropriate behavior.
Justin Baldoni in the film It Ends With Us – YouTube, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Additionally, the video includes a moment where Lively teases Baldoni about his nose, jokingly suggesting he take a month off production to get a nose job. While Lively ends the comment with “just kidding,” Baldoni’s lawsuit cites this exchange as an example of the tense dynamic between the two stars.
Creative Clashes on Set
The footage also offers a glimpse into the creative tensions that plagued the production. Baldoni and Lively can be seen discussing whether their characters should speak or simply gaze into each other’s eyes during the scene. The final edit ultimately used only video footage, with their audio removed—a decision that highlights the growing creative differences between the two.
A Legal and Public Relations Battle
This release of the Baldoni Lively footage marks the latest move in a legal battle that has already seen lawsuits, counter-suits, and massive financial claims. Baldoni has accused Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others of targeting him with a defamation campaign. He has filed a $400 million lawsuit against them. He also filed an additional $250 million lawsuit targeting The New York Times.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in the film It Ends With Us – YouTube, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Meanwhile, Lively’s lawsuit, filed with the California Civil Rights Department and later escalated to federal court, accuses Baldoni of harassment and engaging in “abuser playbook” tactics. The actress has yet to respond publicly to the released footage, though her representatives declined to comment on the matter.
How Did We Get Here?
The feud between Lively and Baldoni first became public when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, followed by a federal lawsuit on New Year’s Eve accusing Baldoni of inappropriate behavior during the filming of It Ends With Us. Baldoni responded with his own $400 million defamation and extortion suit, targeting Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and others.
Ryan Reynolds as Nicepool in Deadpool and Wolverine – Disney+
The controversy reached new levels when Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, sent a litigation hold letter to Marvel Studios and Disney, alleging that the Deadpool character “Nicepool,” played by Reynolds, was a parody intended to mock Baldoni. Nicepool, described as a self-identified feminist with a man-bun, sparked widespread public debate, with Baldoni claiming the character was a deliberate attempt to harass him.
As the legal and PR battle rages on, both sides continue to escalate the fight, leaving no stone unturned. Baldoni’s release of raw footage marks just the latest salvo in this increasingly contentious saga, with more evidence promised by his legal team in the near future.
What do you think of the Baldoni Lively footage? Does it change your perspective on the allegations or the Nicepool controversy? Let us know in the comments below.
