The Blake Lively lawsuit It Ends With Us has exposed deep-seated disagreements surrounding the film’s production, with documents alleging reluctance from author Colleen Hoover to allow a male director. The ongoing court battle, which started in December 2024, continues to generate intense public interest and emotional reactions among those involved.
Director Selection Sparks Friction
Documents filed in the lawsuit reveal that Blake Lively and her legal representatives asserted that Colleen Hoover initially wanted a woman to direct the It Ends With Us film adaptation. The records detail that Hoover, 45, had explicitly requested a female director before eventually agreeing to award the project to Justin Baldoni and his film company, Wayfarer. Lively’s legal team went on to claim that Wayfarer projected a “misleading feminist brand” to help secure the rights to the story.
Hoover was reluctant to option the Film to a man, but agreed to sell the rights to Wayfarer.
— Court Documents
Hoover explicitly requested that a woman direct the Film.
— Court Documents
These claims highlight the behind-the-scenes negotiations and creative concerns that surfaced before filming commenced. Representatives for Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Colleen Hoover have been contacted for comment regarding these allegations.
Sexual Harassment Allegations and Countersuits
The legal conflict became public in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on set and citing severe emotional distress as a result of his alleged actions. In response, Baldoni’s lawyer publicly refuted the charges, stating the allegations were unfounded, inflammatory, and meant to rehabilitate Lively’s reputation and redirect attention to negative narratives about the film’s production.
completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious
— Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer
Baldoni subsequently launched a counter-lawsuit in January, which was dismissed by June. The complex and combative legal proceedings are set to continue, with a tentative trial date scheduled for March 2026.
Colleen Hoover Speaks Out on the Fallout
Amid the escalating legal drama, Colleen Hoover broke her silence in a November 2024 interview, sharing her distress over how the lawsuits have overshadowed the intended themes of her story. As she prepared to give a deposition on the case, Hoover described the ongoing spectacle as emotionally taxing and deeply disappointing for those closest to the narrative.
When there are real people involved, with real feelings and emotions.
— Colleen Hoover, Author
Hoover expressed sorrow that the legal conflict had eclipsed her book’s message about domestic violence and empowerment. She revealed personal pain, describing how the surrounding turmoil has affected her and her family.
The book was inspired by [my mother’s] story, and now it gives us PTSD to think about it,
— Colleen Hoover, Author
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.
— Colleen Hoover, Author
Hoover admitted the situation has made her hesitant to share pride in her work. She described embarrassment and reluctance to discuss the novel due to the negative association brought on by the litigation.
I can’t even recommend it anymore. I feel like [the lawsuit] has overshadowed it. 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
Changing Relationships and Shifting Public Support
When news of the initial allegations broke, Colleen Hoover showed public support for Lively on Instagram. She praised the actress for her character and patience, though she later deactivated her account and became more reserved on the topic as legal proceedings intensified.
Blake Lively you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met,
— Colleen Hoover, Author
Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.
— Colleen Hoover, Author
The considerable fallout has had a wide-ranging impact on those associated with the film, from its stars to its creator, and contributed to ongoing debate within the entertainment industry. The representatives for the individuals involved, including organizations like Wayfarer, have yet to release substantive new statements, with Us Weekly and Elle among the outlets covering developments.
Broader Implications for the Film and the Industry
As the trial approaches, the Blake Lively lawsuit It Ends With Us shines a harsh spotlight on both Hollywood’s handling of creative control and sensitive real-life stories. The dispute has already marred the film’s public perception and deeply affected individuals like Colleen Hoover and her family. While audiences await the trial set for March 2026, the circumstances underscore ongoing challenges related to female representation behind the camera, the long-term aftermath of workplace allegations, and the difficulties authors face when their stories become Hollywood projects.
