The year 2024 was a blockbuster for movies, with hits like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, Moana 2, and Wicked dominating the box office. However, one film sparked more controversy than any other—It Ends With Us.
Adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, It Ends With Us follows the story of Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively), a flower shop owner, and her tumultuous relationship with neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni). Despite their undeniable attraction, Lily is forced to confront the harsh realities of their relationship when Ryle’s abusive behavior emerges.
The controversy surrounding It Ends With Us began way before the film’s August release. Lively accused Baldoni of making inappropriate comments, fat-shaming her, and suggesting unnecessary intimate scenes for the movie. Baldoni has consistently denied these allegations, stating that his inquiries about her weight were related to planning a scene that required him to lift her, as he has ongoing back issues.
Complicating matters further, reports emerged that Lively brought in her own editor to create a separate cut of the film. The studio ultimately sided with Baldoni’s original version, but the move highlighted the strained working relationship between the two stars.
Just days before Christmas, news broke that Blake Lively planned to sue Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment. Adding to the controversy, text messages surfaced that appeared to show Baldoni and his team strategizing a smear campaign against Lively.
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According to legal documents obtained by PEOPLE, Justin Baldoni claims he was subjected to a humiliating verbal attack by Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds. The alleged incident took place during a private meeting with Lively and other producers of It Ends With Us. Baldoni describes the encounter as “traumatic,” stating:
There, “Reynolds launched into a tirade, berating Baldoni in what Baldoni later described as a ‘traumatic’ encounter, stating he had ‘never been spoken to like that in his life,’ ” the complaint alleges.
Baldoni, 40, claims Reynolds, 48, “demanded” an apology for Lively, 37, accusing him of “fat-shaming” her, and when Baldoni “resisted apologizing for what he had not done, Reynolds became further enraged.”
His lawyers characterize the alleged exchange as an “inappropriate and humiliating berating of Baldoni — delivered, perhaps intentionally, as other celebrity friends were coming in and out of their penthouse.”
The confrontation reportedly occurred in a penthouse, with other high-profile friends of the couple present. Baldoni’s legal team claims this setting made the situation even more degrading.
Fallout and Public Reaction
The fallout has been significant for Baldoni. Since the accusations, his agency and publicist have severed ties with him. Meanwhile, Lively has received public support from It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover, as well as from Jenny Slate, her co-star in the film, and the cast of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005).
As for Reynolds, he has remained silent about the allegations, but the PEOPLE report has added fuel to an already fiery controversy. Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts, with some criticizing Reynolds for his alleged involvement and others defending him as a supportive husband.
Despite the drama, It Ends With Us has performed well at the box office, though its reception has been mixed. While some praised the film for tackling difficult topics like domestic abuse and toxic relationships, others felt the behind-the-scenes conflicts detracted from its message.
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The studio behind the film now faces a challenging situation. What was supposed to be a heart-wrenching adaptation of a beloved novel has instead become a lightning rod for controversy.
Moving Forward
As the lawsuits and countersuits unfold, the battle between Baldoni and Lively shows no signs of cooling down. The addition of Reynolds to the narrative has only heightened public interest in the case, making It Ends With Us one of the most talked-about films of the year, though not necessarily for the right reasons.
Will this controversy affect the legacy of It Ends With Us, or will the film’s story eventually rise above the headlines? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on the allegations against Ryan Reynolds? Was he justified in defending Blake Lively, or did he overstep? Share your thoughts below!
