The ongoing legal battle between Justin Baldoni, the director and star of It Ends With Us, and actress Blake Lively has taken a dramatic turn, with Lively filing a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation and accusing him of sexual harassment. The lawsuit, which spans 80 pages, details text exchanges between Baldoni, his publicist Jennifer Abel, and crisis expert Melissa Nathan, in which they allegedly discuss turning the public against Lively.
The texts, which have now become a central piece of the legal case, reportedly show Abel expressing frustration about Lively’s behavior on set. In one instance, she allegedly conveyed “reckless” thoughts about leaking information regarding Lively’s allegedly difficult demeanor. These messages, shared on social media by Abel, have become a focal point for critics, with many questioning whether Baldoni and his team were actively involved in discrediting Lively during the film’s production.
Jennifer Abel has since responded to the lawsuit, admitting that the messages were exchanged, but denying that they were part of a deliberate effort to spread negative press. She clarified that although she and the team discussed potential scenarios and prepared for backlash, they never actually executed a “smear campaign.” Abel insisted that the internet did much of the “work” for them in terms of shaping the public narrative, and she expressed disappointment at how the situation has been portrayed in the lawsuit.
Abel also refuted claims that she was part of any coordinated attack on Lively, claiming instead that Lively’s team might have planted damaging stories as a way to pressure Baldoni. She emphasized that her loyalty was with her client, Baldoni, who she describes as a strong advocate for equality, especially for women, and defended his character, though she acknowledged his imperfections.
The lawsuit has divided public opinion, and with both sides presenting conflicting narratives, the truth of the situation remains unclear. While many initially sided with Baldoni, the new revelations have led some to question his actions, and the case continues to evolve, raising questions about celebrity dynamics, public relations strategies, and the treatment of women in Hollywood. The resolution of the lawsuit could shed light on the deeper complexities of the alleged misconduct, but for now, both Baldoni and Lively’s reputations are under intense scrutiny.