Well, that was certainly something, wasn’t it? Celebrity gossip and controversy isn’t rare in the world. Even with that being the case, the feud that developed between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was a huge deal. The back and forth that unfolded over what happened behind the scenes of It Ends With Us will live on in Hollywood infamy. Lively and Baldoni had to know this as well. Who knows what was going to come to light if their dispute went to trial. We may never know the answer to that as the case just ended with a settlement.
Last month we reported on a big update in the case. The judge had tossed out a large chunk of claims that Lively had filed against Baldoni. What was effectively left behind for the incoming jury to decide centered around claims of breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation. Basically the case would’ve centered around the working relationship Baldoni and Lively had for the film. Lively was a producer on the project, Baldoni directed. Did Baldoni do anything to interfere with Lively’s investment as a producer for the movie? Then, after the fallout happened, did Baldoni engage in retaliation against Lively and/or abet it happening?
There has been a tremendous amount of back and forth between the respective legal teams. We’ve seen discussion about emails, video footage, potential smear campaigns, “Nicepool,” and more than we can sum up. The speculation over the last year and a half has been hard to avoid. No doubt, that speculation will continue for some time. Either way, the lawsuit has ended with a settlement. The terms of it have not been disclosed and there’s no indication right now if they ever will be.
A joint statement was issued stating, “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.” This seems to favor Lively’s assertion that inappropriate behavior occurred on the set. It doesn’t confirm the presence of sexual harassment though, which was the primary nature of her concerns. The retaliation and reputational damage was the alleged back and forth that happened because of her accusations of harassment.
Did money exchange hands as part of the settlement? Likely. But who paid whom? All of it boils down to who had the better narrative. Based on the flurry of discovery that happened though, it seems like both parties would’ve done more damage to themselves if the case went to trial. In that regard, the settlement is a win for Lively and Baldoni. Now all they have to do is make a movie about the drama that happened after the movie.
