“She was threatening, mean and tough”: Justin Baldoni Didn’t Want to Expose the Alleged Ugly Side of Blake Lively to Her Fans, Says His Attorney

SUMMARY

• Justin Baldoni’s attorney alleged Blake Lively created a hostile environment on the set, with multiple complaints from people.
• Conflicts arose over two distinct edits of It Ends with Us, with Lively’s version ultimately being approved despite Baldoni’s cut performing better in test screenings.
• Off-screen drama, including lawsuits and allegations, overshadowed the film’s release and reception.

It Ends with Us was one of the most highly anticipated film adaptations, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in the leads. The film indeed led to the end of their professional relationship and any personal ties before it was even released. Fans were looking forward to a powerful on-screen partnership, but the reality was far from what they wished for.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in It Ends with Us | Sony Pictures

Instead, the two spiraled into a web of controversies, and it only got worse after the film’s release. From lawsuits to unsettling allegations, creative disputes, and behind-the-scenes turmoil, there’s more drama between Baldoni and Lively than the actual movie. 

Justin Baldoni’s attorney speaks about Blake Lively’s conduct

Justin Baldoni in It Ends with Us | Sony Pictures

In an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman spoke about the environment that Blake Lively had created on set and stated how he got personal messages from multiple individuals who complained about their ill-treatment by the actress. He also asserted that the allegations about a smear campaign were untrue, and none of it was the doing of Baldoni’s PR team. 

Freedman painted a truly grim picture of what it was to be on the sets of It Ends with Us. He also stated that Baldoni wanted to focus on some of the crucial themes in the story related to domestic violence, but there was no room for him to put forth his creative suggestions. 

Creative differences between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively

Blake Lively in It Ends with Us | Sony Pictures

Freedman also alleged that two separate cuts exist for It Ends with Us, and the conflict surrounding the same. Creative differences between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni escalated because there were two distinct edits to the film (via People). 

One was spearheaded by Baldoni, while the other was by Lively, but her version was approved by the executive producer. However, in his legal filing, Baldoni claimed that his cut had performed better during test screenings. But the actress purportedly used her influence, and claimed the author’s vision was more in line with her’s, and Sony Pictures agreed to finalize Lively’s cut.

Now, Baldoni and Lively are locked in legal battles and we have to sit through all the barrage of claims and counterclaims. The film did eventually do well among the audience, with a few criticizing it, but ultimately, it paled in comparison to the off-screen drama surrounding it. 

You can watch It Ends with Us on Netflix.

Written by Sonika Kamble

Articles Published: 426

Sonika thrives on her passion for cinema, artistic expression, and philosophical exploration. Every medium of storytelling intrigues her, and she can’t help but dissect the layers to unravel the deeper meaning behind an arc or a scene. She finds contentment in playing chess, vibing to background scores, and penning the next chapter of her book. Sonika is driven by the idea of being a dutiful and responsible human who dedicates herself to a task, regardless of the outcome—a principle she’s committed to upholding at FandomWire.