Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds Sucked Into Blake Lively's Hollywood Feud With Baldoni
Justin Baldoni at the 2017 Voice Awards. Photo by SAMHSA. Public domain.
Hollywood thrives on drama — on-screen and off — but the feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has taken that reputation to explosive new heights. From fiery lawsuits to whispered power plays, this clash between the stars of "It Ends With Us" has gripped fans, ignited heated debates, and peeled back the layers of Hollywood's most contentious creative conflicts. What began as a promising collaboration has spiraled into a saga of epic proportions, complete with allegations, competing narratives, and a media frenzy that shows no signs of slowing down.
The Origins of the Conflict
When Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively were cast as co-stars in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, fans were ecstatic. Baldoni, who also directed the film, was celebrated for his heartfelt portrayal of sensitive themes in previous works, while Lively's star power promised to bring depth and charisma to the screen. Yet, behind the scenes, tensions began brewing as early as May 2023 when production started.
According to Baldoni's lawsuit, filed in January 2025, Lively allegedly orchestrated a "takeover strategy," to seize creative control of the film, as reported by TMZ. He claims this campaign involved script rewrites, manipulative meetings, and even enlisting her husband — a star himself, known for his role as "Deadpool" — Ryan Reynolds, to bolster her version of events. The lawsuit further alleges that Lively's changes, including a pivotal rooftop scene, were praised by Reynolds and later by Taylor Swift, a close friend of the couple. Baldoni interpreted this as pressure to align with Lively's creative direction.
However, Lively's camp paints a very different picture. According to the Associated Press, her legal filings accuse Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in inappropriate behavior on set. She contends that her demands for an intimacy coordinator and other safeguards were not only ignored, but met with retaliation. These accusations, she says, fueled her determination to take control of the project to ensure a safer environment for herself and the cast.
A Game of Legal Chess
The legal dispute escalated in late 2024 when both parties filed lawsuits against each other. Baldoni is suing Lively, Reynolds, and Leslie Sloane, the head of Lively's PR team for defamation, civil extortion, and interference with contractual relations, claiming damages of more than $400 million, according to TMZ. Lively, in turn, has filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. She's also accused Baldoni's PR team of conducting a smear campaign against her, likening their tactics to those used in other high-profile celebrity feuds.
Adding to the chaos, Ryan Reynolds has found himself dragged into the fray. Baldoni's suit accuses Reynolds of making defamatory remarks, including urging Baldoni's talent agency to drop him by allegedly labeling him a "sexual predator," as reported by the Daily Mail.
Lively's 'Dragons'
One of the most eye-opening revelations in this feud emerged when Blake Lively compared herself to "Game of Thrones" character "Khaleesi," calling Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift her "dragons" in text messages from April 2023, as reported by the Daily Mail. The messages, included in the $400 million lawsuit filed against her, allegedly reveal Lively expressing frustration over Baldoni's lukewarm response to her changes in the rooftop scene.
After days of silence from Lively, Baldoni reportedly felt compelled to text her, affirming his appreciation for her edits while noting that he would have liked them even without Ryan and Taylor's influence. In response, Lively stated that Reynolds and Swift helped her find her voice, saying, "I'm not always good at making sure I'm seen and utilized for fear of threatening egos," as reported by the Daily Mail. Lively added that the two command "immense respect" in the industry and concluded that she needed to "stop worrying about people liking me."
Adding another layer to the drama, Baldoni allegedly left an almost seven-minute voicemail in which he offered Lively a heartfelt apology for his initial response. In the recording, he acknowledged his shortcomings and praised her dedication and work ethic, as reported by the Daily Mail. He also directly addressed her reference to Reynolds and Swift as her "dragons," acknowledging their immense influence while asserting that he didn't need their approval to recognize her contributions.
According to Yahoo News, Taylor Swift has reportedly chosen to distance herself from Blake Lively amid the ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni. Sources suggest that Swift felt uncomfortable being positioned as a figure of influence in the dispute and perceived her name being invoked as an attempt to exert pressure on Baldoni.
The Creative Clash: Competing Cuts
Perhaps the most dramatic element of this saga is the battle over the final cut of "It Ends With Us." After months of heated negotiations, Sony Pictures, the film's distributor, agreed to screen both Baldoni's and Lively's versions to test audiences. Baldoni claims his version scored higher with key demographics, yet Sony ultimately released Lively's cut — a decision Baldoni says was the result of relentless pressure from Lively and her PR team, as reported by TMZ. Lively's team counters that her version was chosen because it aligned more closely with the book's emotional core.
The public fallout was equally messy. As the film premiered, the cast and author Colleen Hoover conspicuously avoided appearing alongside Baldoni, fueling speculation about deeper rifts. Social media buzzed with theories, and the drama spilled into headlines when both stars unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Hollywood's PR Machine at Work
The lawsuits reveal the intricate web of Hollywood's public relations machinery. Baldoni's suit details alleged efforts by Lively's publicist, Leslie Sloane, to plant stories framing him as a villain. Text messages included in the filings describe tactics like amplifying social media posts critical of Baldoni and pitching negative narratives to gossip outlets, as reported by TMZ.
Conversely, Lively's team accuses Baldoni of attempting to "weaponize" PR to tarnish her reputation. A PR consultant allegedly working with Baldoni's team reportedly emphasized their ability to ruin reputations, stating, "We can bury anyone," as reported by the New York Times.
The Fallout
Beyond the courtroom and tabloids, the scandal's impact on both stars' careers remains uncertain. Baldoni's reputation as a champion of feminist causes has taken a significant hit, with critics questioning whether his on-screen advocacy aligns with his alleged off-screen behavior. Meanwhile, Lively's carefully crafted image as a relatable, empowered woman has faced scrutiny, particularly after criticism of her tone-deaf promotional tactics for the film.
As the lawsuits continue, the industry watches closely. This case not only highlights the perils of mixing creative control with personal dynamics but also raises broader questions about accountability, power, and the role of public perception in shaping Hollywood narratives.
What's Next?
The battle between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively is set to become a defining moment in both their careers. Whether this saga results in lasting damage or eventual redemption for either party, one thing is clear: Hollywood loves a good drama, and this one is far from over.
References: Justin Baldoni Sues Ryan, Blake & Her Publicist | 'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine | Bombshell Claims That Threaten Ryan Reynolds' Image | EXCLUSIVE REVEALED: Justin Baldoni's voice note to Blake Lively addressing It Ends With Us rooftop scene feud | Taylor Swift Taking 'Step Back' From Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni Case — Report | Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' director Justin Baldoni of harassment and smear campaign
