Blake Lively: Unfolding Drama with Justin Baldoni Over It Ends With Us Footage

Jan. 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Entertainment

Blake Lively, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in hit TV shows and movies such as “Gossip Girl” and “The Age of Adaline,” found herself embroiled in a controversy recently with actor and director Justin Baldoni over footage related to the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel “It Ends With Us.” The unfolding drama between Lively and Baldoni has kept fans and media outlets on edge, as both parties have taken to social media to address the issue.

The controversy began when Justin Baldoni, known for his work on the popular TV series “Jane the Virgin” and the director behind films like “Five Feet Apart,” shared a behind-the-scenes video featuring Blake Lively rehearsing a scene from “It Ends With Us.” The footage was meant to showcase Lively’s dedication to perfecting her performance and Baldoni’s directorial skills. However, the video sparked outrage among fans of the novel, as many felt that the scene portrayed in the clip was a crucial moment that should not have been shared without proper context.

Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” is a powerful and emotional story that deals with sensitive subjects such as domestic abuse and the complexities of relationships. Fans of the novel were quick to point out that the scene in the video, which depicted a heated argument between the main characters, could potentially spoil the emotional impact of that moment for viewers who had not read the book.

As the backlash grew, Blake Lively took to social media to address the situation. In a series of posts on Instagram, Lively expressed her regret over the misunderstanding and emphasized her respect for the source material. She clarified that the scene in question was not a pivotal moment in the film and reassured fans that the movie adaptation would stay true to the essence of Hoover’s novel.

However, the controversy did not end there. Justin Baldoni, who had initially shared the behind-the-scenes video, also weighed in on the issue. In a statement released on his social media platforms, Baldoni defended his decision to post the footage, stating that it was intended to showcase the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew. He apologized for any distress caused to fans of the novel but stood by his choice to share the behind-the-scenes content.

The disagreement between Lively and Baldoni soon spilled over into a public feud, with both parties sharing their perspectives on the situation in interviews and online posts. While Lively maintained her position that the leaked footage was an oversight and apologized to fans for any disappointment caused, Baldoni defended his actions and reiterated his commitment to showcasing the filmmaking process.

The drama surrounding the leaked footage of “It Ends With Us” has divided fans and the entertainment industry alike. Some view the incident as a harmless mistake that should be forgiven, while others believe that the breach of trust between the filmmakers and the audience is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

In the midst of the controversy, both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have continued to promote the upcoming movie adaptation of “It Ends With Us.” Despite the drama surrounding the leaked footage, anticipation for the film remains high, thanks in large part to the star power of Lively and the talented direction of Baldoni.

As the release date for “It Ends With Us” draws near, it remains to be seen whether the controversy between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will have any lasting impact on the film’s reception. Ultimately, fans of Colleen Hoover’s novel will have to decide for themselves whether they can overlook this incident and enjoy the movie adaptation for what it is—an interpretation of a beloved story brought to life on the big screen.