Blake Lively, 37, has set Hollywood buzzing after filing a bombshell lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, 40.
The allegations include claims of sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and an alleged smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. But what’s grabbing even more attention is the mention of several high-profile celebrities in the court documents.
A-List Stars Named in Legal Battle
Among those referenced are Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds and Hailey Bieber, wife of pop star Justin Bieber. Taylor Swift, Lively’s close friend, and former collaborators Leighton Meester, Anna Kendrick, and Ben Affleck also find themselves entangled in the legal drama.
Documents included in Lively’s filing reveal an alleged PR strategy devised by Baldoni’s crisis management team, targeting her relationships with these prominent figures. A “scenario planning” document reportedly outlines tactics to shift focus onto Lively’s past working relationships, aiming to fuel controversy and deflect from Baldoni’s alleged actions.
Taylor Swift and Lively’s Inner Circle
Emails between Baldoni’s team highlight concerns over Swift’s massive fan base overlapping with Lively’s supporters. One exhibit suggested planting stories framing Swift as using feminism to “bully” others, a move that could have repercussions far beyond the courtroom.
The friendship between Lively and Swift, coupled with the superstar’s influence, appears to have been seen as a potential liability for Baldoni.
Tensions with Former Co-Stars
The lawsuit also revisits Lively’s working relationships with Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), Anna Kendrick (A Simple Favor), and Ben Affleck (The Town). Rumors of on-set friction with Meester and Kendrick were allegedly considered by Baldoni’s team as angles to exploit, though past interviews from these stars paint a more amicable picture. Affleck, for instance, has publicly praised Lively’s professionalism and talent.
Ryan Reynolds and Hailey Bieber Dragged Into the Spotlight
Text exchanges reveal Baldoni’s alleged frustrations with Ryan Reynolds, who reportedly blocked him and his production company on social media. Hailey Bieber was cited in another exhibit as an example of how Baldoni’s team might attempt to discredit Lively by mirroring online narratives about Bieber’s own controversies.
This lawsuit, packed with shocking allegations and celebrity connections, is shaping up to be one of Hollywood’s most talked-about legal dramas. As the case unfolds, the repercussions for all involved could ripple far beyond the silver screen.
