BREAKING: Newly unsealed texts reveal explosive details about Blake Lively‘s control over sex scenes in the upcoming film It Ends With Us, intensifying the ongoing legal battle with her co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Released as part of Lively’s federal sexual harassment lawsuit, the texts show editor Robb Sullivan expressing frustration over Lively’s final approval rights for her character’s intimate scenes.
The text exchange, dated April 18, 2024, highlights the tension surrounding Lively’s demands just four months before the film’s scheduled release. Sullivan’s reaction—”SMH”—came in response to Lively’s insistence on having not only the final say over her own scenes but also those depicting her character’s teenage self.
In the chain, Sullivan shares a celebratory moment with co-editor Oona Flaherty, stating, “Woot!” upon receiving a PG-13 rating for the film, but quickly shifts to dismay regarding Lively’s control. This text exchange underscores the mounting pressures as the production navigates sensitive content while facing legal scrutiny.
Lively’s lawsuit, which is set to go to trial on March 9, 2024, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation, claiming he orchestrated a social media attack to damage her reputation and businesses. Baldoni has denied all allegations, previously filing a now-dismissed $400 million countersuit against Lively, alleging she attempted a “hostile takeover” of the film’s production.
The judge in this case, US District Judge Lewis Liman, has ordered Lively to surrender three years of her business income records to Baldoni as the litigation escalates. These recent developments illustrate the high stakes involved as both parties prepare for a contentious trial.
Legal filings indicate that the text messages were originally provided to Lively’s legal team by Baldoni in response to a subpoena. The chain also includes a participant identified as “Henny Grace,” who commented, “Honestly, it’s all about control,” further highlighting the dynamics at play in the production.
Lively’s legal maneuvers have been under the spotlight, with recent reports confirming she withdrew subpoenas aimed at Google and X for the account information of five content creators critical of her role in the lawsuit. The courtroom battles reflect a broader narrative of power struggles within Hollywood, particularly regarding female representation and agency in storytelling.
As this case unfolds, the implications for both Lively’s career and the film industry at large remain significant. With the trial looming, all eyes will be on the courtroom as these high-profile allegations come to a head, making the upcoming weeks crucial for both Lively and Baldoni.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
