2024 was the year of never-ending feuds between megastars in the entertainment industry, with Drake vs Kendrick Lamar, and Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively. Now that we’re well into 2025, the It Ends with Us co-stars are still deeply embroiled in a legal battle, and they have allegations ranging from smear campaigns, creative sabotage, and s*xual harassment.
After Lively’s legal actions against Baldoni, he hit right back with his own $400 million lawsuit that was filed against the actress, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist. But what’s the reality behind this jaw-dropping figure and how have matters escalated to such an extent? Let’s find out!
Why $400 million? Breaking down Justin Baldoni’s massive lawsuit
When Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, everyone was stunned by the huge number. But what does this amount actually represent? Legal experts have weighed in with their opinion, and it turns out there is a rationale behind the large sum. According to Joseph A. Brown Esq., the $400 million demand is most probably the economic loss that Baldoni claims to have suffered due to several accusations made by Lively (via US Weekly).
These numbers are based on calculating the total economic losses from the box office, loss of future wages for a sequel and future losses on other endeavors.
The $400 million suit against Blake, Ryan, and their teams will be asking damages of them all together
But even experts have differing opinions on the matter, for example, David J. Finker Esq suggests that the number is not precise, or backed by any real calculations. According to him, the multi-million dollar figure is only used to draw attention to the case, so that we take notice of the severity of Baldoni’s claims. As per the lawsuit, $400 million is a justified amount because Lively’s actions were personally and financially devastating for the actor and director of It Ends with Us.
What Justin Baldoni accused Blake Lively of in the lawsuit
Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit against Blake Lively includes a long and comprehensive list of allegations. The main crux of his allegations is that Lively was the one who took over a film that he was directing, undermined his authority, and tried to taint his reputation to destroy his career (via Forbes).
The lawsuit also suggests that Lively has falsely accused Baldoni of s*xual harassment, in an attempt to deflect the negative press that she received during the promotions of It Ends with Us. Allegedly, her accusations were a calculative move to use Baldoni as a “scapegoat,” after being “tone-deaf” in her approach to a film about domestic violence.
Baldoni has also claimed that Lively overstepped her role as an actress by taking creative control of the film. She also involved Ryan Reynolds, who made changes to the script and certain scenes. Moreover, the lawsuit mentions how the actress pressured the studio to release her version of the film even when the Baldoni cut performed higher with test audiences.
You can watch It Ends with Us on Netflix.
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