Expanded Timeline & Accusations in the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Lawsuit This lawsuit is a Hollywood power struggle centered around the production of It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Blake Lively (Plaintiff) and Justin Baldoni (Defendant) are locked in dueling lawsuits, each claiming professional sabotage, misconduct, and defamation. KEY PLAYERS Plaintiff (Lively’s Side) Blake Lively – Lead actress in It Ends With Us, alleges sexual harassment, workplace misconduct, and defamation. Ryan Reynolds – Lively’s husband, allegedly played a behind-the-scenes role in her legal and PR strategy. Leslie Sloane – Lively’s publicist, allegedly helped shape a negative PR campaign against Baldoni. Vision PR, Inc. – Lively’s PR firm, accused of conspiring to spread damaging narratives. The New York Times – Published an exposé against Baldoni, allegedly based on misleading information from Lively’s team. Defendants (Baldoni & Wayfarer’s Side) Justin Baldoni – Actor, director, and producer of It Ends With Us. Accused of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Claims Lively hijacked the movie and defamed him. Wayfarer Studios – Baldoni’s production company, also suing Lively for sabotage, extortion, and defamation. Jamey Heath – Wayfarer executive, named in the lawsuit. Steve Sarowitz – Wayfarer co-founder, named in the lawsuit. Sony Pictures – Partnered with Wayfarer on the film; its executives were involved in key decisions. Expanded Timeline of Events Each major event is detailed below, including key evidence, legal implications, and how it ties into the lawsuit. 2019-2022: Development & Initial Agreements January 1, 2019 – Justin Baldoni emails Colleen Hoover about adapting It Ends With Us into a movie. April 11, 2019 – Hoover watches Baldoni’s Five Feet Apart and says, “You are the right person to make this movie.” April 12, 2019 – Hoover suggests Baldoni could portray Ryle, the film’s controversial male lead. May 8, 2019 – Baldoni options the book rights, officially securing the ability to make the film. September 16, 2022 – Baldoni begins working with the nonprofit "NO MORE", which raises awareness about domestic violence. Legal Implications Wayfarer’s case rests on proving that Baldoni was the legitimate creative force behind the film. Lively’s team may argue that she contributed equally (or more) to the film’s development and had a right to take creative control. 2022-2023: Production & Tensions Emerge September 23, 2022 – Wayfarer partners with Sony to co-finance the film. Baldoni negotiates a clause requiring 1% of proceeds to be donated to domestic violence charities. December 31, 2022 – Blake Lively signs on to play the film’s protagonist, Lily Bloom. January 13, 2023 – Marketing concepts are discussed, including: Nationwide "Lily Bloom Pop-Up Shops" to support domestic violence survivors. Partnerships with domestic abuse organizations like NO MORE. February 9, 2023 – Lively texts Baldoni about weight loss, joking she is 20 pounds from her goal weight. Baldoni "dislikes" the message but expresses support for her. February 14, 2023 – Baldoni begins sending script revisions to Lively. She responds, "You’re safe here," implying trust and comfort in their collaboration. February 17, 2023 – Lively asks, "What’s the chance we can do body scenes at the end of the schedule?" Baldoni reassures her that she does not need to stress about her body. Legal Implications Baldoni’s legal team argues these messages prove that Lively was comfortable with him and no harassment occurred. Lively’s team may claim Baldoni’s responses were inappropriate, passive-aggressive, or placed undue pressure on her. March - May 2023: Filming & Creative Conflicts Lively clashes with Baldoni over creative control, including: Costume decisions (Lively allegedly wanted a different look than the book described). Script changes (Lively pushed for revisions Baldoni disagreed with). Marketing control (Lively allegedly wanted a bigger role in promotion). June 2023 – Hollywood actors' strike halts promotion. September 2023 – Once the strike ends, Lively refuses to return to production unless Baldoni signs a 17-point "Protection Agreement". The document implies misconduct occurred, though no official complaints were filed. Legal Implications Baldoni argues Lively used the document to falsely frame him as an abuser. Lively argues it was necessary to protect her workplace rights. October 2023 - January 2024: The Fallout Lively takes full control of the marketing and forces Baldoni out of promotional efforts. She creates her own cut of the film and secures a producer credit. Lively allegedly refuses to meet with domestic violence groups, despite the film’s theme. She is criticized for using press appearances to promote her haircare and alcohol brands. December 2023 – Lively allegedly works with The New York Times to prepare a negative article about Baldoni. Legal Implications Wayfarer accuses Lively of hijacking the film & damaging its original mission. Lively argues she was asserting creative control as a producer. January 2024 - Present: Lawsuits & Public War Lively files a lawsuit on January 25, 2024, alleging: Sexual harassment Workplace misconduct Defamation and a smear campaign against her Baldoni & Wayfarer counter-sue, alleging: Lively stole the film Defamed Baldoni with false sexual harassment claims Extorted them into apologizing for non-existent wrongdoing Used The New York Times to spread misinformation Legal Implications The case will likely hinge on text messages, email evidence, contracts, and testimony. If Lively is proven to have fabricated claims, she could face a defamation lawsuit worth millions. If Baldoni is proven to have engaged in misconduct, his career could suffer irreparable damage. Final Takeaways Both sides accuse the other of professional sabotage. Lively’s case depends on proving Baldoni engaged in misconduct. Baldoni’s defense hinges on proving Lively manipulated PR & took over the film. The film’s premiere was tainted by legal drama instead of focusing on domestic violence awareness. This Hollywood legal battle will likely have lasting consequences for both parties.