Controversy surrounds the production of “It Ends With Us” after new set footage emerged, featuring Justin Baldoni making a contentious joke toward his costar, Blake Lively, amid the ongoing Blake Lively sexual harassment controversy. The release of this video coincides with an escalating legal battle between Baldoni and Lively, casting a spotlight on conduct and allegations behind the scenes of the anticipated film adaptation.
Incident on Set Adds to Rising Tensions
In footage recently revealed through court filings, Justin Baldoni is shown addressing the word “sexy” at Blake Lively while preparing to shoot a scene with Jenny Slate and Hasan Minhaj present. The tension escalated as Baldoni, turning to the camera, delivered an on-the-spot remark:
“Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training.”
Baldoni, Actor/Director. This exchange has drawn significant criticism, especially given the fraught legal circumstances surrounding the costars.
This particular video was presented as part of a summary judgment by Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, who described the interaction as “entirely unremarkable.” The studio stated that Lively was dressed in an oversized fleece onesie, and the situation did not resemble flirtation or inappropriate ogling. They emphasized that the actors were surrounded by crew and were in a work-focused setting. Furthermore, the filing asserts that Baldoni quickly apologized for his words and that Lively responded to him directly with, “All good.”
Despite these assertions, neither Lively, Baldoni, nor the other actors—Jenny Slate and Hasan Minhaj—have provided additional public comment. Representatives for all individuals involved did not immediately respond to inquiries from Entertainment Weekly, leaving much of the public discussion shaped by court documentation and statement extracts.
Court Filings Reveal Stakes and Claims
The legal battles between the two stars began when Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and facilitating online harassment against her in December of the previous year. Baldoni responded in court the following month with a countersuit against both Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, consistently maintaining that Lively’s accusations are without merit.
The latest developments in the case include a sweeping motion from Baldoni’s side, with a 73-page filing hoping to resolve matters before going to trial. The production company’s statement within the filing reads,
“When viewed in context, no reasonable juror could find that the handful of comments and miscommunications Lively has mustered amounts to sexual harassment.”
Wayfarer Studios. Notably, Baldoni has moved to drop his own $400 million countersuit by not filing an amended complaint, suggesting a possible strategic shift as the trial date, scheduled for March 2026, draws nearer.
The legal proceedings have commanded the attention of both the entertainment industry and the wider public, as both parties have released and cited on-set interactions in support of their positions. For instance, another video made public by Baldoni’s legal team in January 2025 depicts him and Lively slow dancing on set, with Lively joking:
“I’m probably getting spray tan on you,”
Blake Lively, Actor. Baldoni responded in kind, laughing and mentioning the scent in his reply, which his legal team argues contradicts prior statements by Lively regarding their interactions during filming.
Key Personalities and the Impact on Production
The ongoing dispute features several prominent figures, including costars Jenny Slate and Hasan Minhaj, and Ryan Reynolds, who became involved after Baldoni’s countersuit. Bestselling author Colleen Hoover, who wrote the original 2016 novel “It Ends With Us,” has shown support for Lively throughout the controversy. In a supportive social media message, Hoover wrote,
“You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met.”
Colleen Hoover, Author. The film centers on Lively’s character, Lily Bloom, as she grapples with abuse in a complex relationship with Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni.
The controversy not only highlights conduct on set but has also affected the film’s production schedule and the relationships among cast and crew. Photographs from set by Eric Charbonneau have surfaced alongside the legal filings, further fueling public interest and speculation about the working environment and dynamics behind the camera.
Industry Response and Looking Ahead
As the legal process unfolds, industry insiders and media outlets like Entertainment Weekly are closely monitoring developments in the high-profile dispute. Despite numerous attempts to secure statements, official comments from Sony and the involved parties remain absent, intensifying speculation regarding the case outcome and its broader implications for workplace conduct in Hollywood productions.
With the trial set for March 2026, the “It Ends With Us” saga stands as a stark example of how off-screen issues can overshadow even major film projects. For now, the focus remains on resolving the allegations involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, determining not just the future of this adaptation but also the reputations and careers of those in its orbit.
