Bestselling author Colleen Hoover has publicly expressed strong embarrassment regarding her 2016 novel, It Ends With Us, as the Blake Lively legal battle with Justin Baldoni intensifies around its upcoming film adaptation. Hoover’s admissions come against the backdrop of a contentious court case, casting negative attention on both her book and those involved in bringing it to the screen.
Author Shares Deep Regret Over Recent Controversy
In a recent interview with Elle, Colleen Hoover disclosed her discomfort as litigation between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—both stars of the It Ends With Us adaptation—unfolds in the public eye. Hoover reflected on the emotional toll, citing the legal turmoil as casting a shadow over her work.
“I can’t even recommend it anymore. I feel like [the lawsuit] has overshadowed it,”
Hoover said in the interview with Elle. She further admitted,
“I’m almost embarrassed to say I wrote it. When people ask what I do, I’m just like, ‘I’m a writer. Please don’t ask me what I wrote.’”
—Colleen Hoover, Author.
Since December 2024, when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing director-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment during production, the dispute has drawn substantial public and media scrutiny. The resulting legal clash has gone viral and deeply affected all parties, especially Hoover, as her novel stands at the center of the conflict.
Personal Connections and Family Impact
Hoover’s distress is magnified by the novel’s origins, as It Ends With Us was inspired by difficult events from her mother’s life. She has voiced concern that her family is now enduring further anguish due to the fallout from the film and the Blake Lively legal battle.
“I feel awful because I almost feel like she’s gone through more with the aftermath of this film, more pain than she went through with my dad, just seeing the ugliness of it,”
she revealed in her conversation with Elle. Despite the ongoing strife, Hoover hopes to reconnect with the pride she once held for her book once the legal proceedings conclude.
Wider Implications for Cast and Author
The emotional impact extends beyond Hoover and her family, affecting the careers of those involved in the film. She described the environment as “disappointing,” “unfortunate,” and likened it to “a circus.”
“When there are real people involved, with real feelings and emotions. This actually truly has impacted some of the actors’ careers in huge ways. And I just find it all around sad,”
Hoover told Elle.—Colleen Hoover, Author.
Hoover admitted her intention to avoid the negative discourse, despite personal insights she could offer.
“I’m just trying to stay removed from the negativity. I have my own story I could tell … but I don’t want to bring attention to it, and I don’t want to have to put someone else down to lift myself up,”
she continued in the interview.—Colleen Hoover, Author. She acknowledged feelings of helplessness regarding the situation, noting,
“I feel like it’s so big at this point that there’s nothing anyone can say to change whatever opinion people have of it, even though no one has the actual truth. Not even me.”
—Colleen Hoover, Author.
Awaiting the Outcome and Long-Term Effects
The legal proceedings between Lively and Baldoni are scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026, leaving Hoover, the actors, and fans in a prolonged state of uncertainty. As the trial date approaches, the author and those connected remain hopeful that, with time, wounds will heal and both personal and professional identities can recover. Hoover stated,
“The more time that passes, the easier everything gets for all of us,”
—Colleen Hoover, Author. However, the distressing events and their widespread repercussions continue to overshadow the original spirit of It Ends With Us. The public and those closest to the project will be watching the trial closely, as its outcome may shape how the story and its creators are seen for years to come.
