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Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Hollywood's most toxic feud: As Justin Baldoni and co-star Blake Lively sue and countersued, an explosive new show reveals why it's turned into all-out war
It's the feud that has everyone in Hollywood talking – actress Blake Lively suing Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director of last year's hit film It Ends With Us. She is accusing him of sexual harassment during the making of the movie and of masterminding a global smear campaign against her. He accused her of shutting him out of his own film and of effectively trying to torpedo his career. Two rich and unfeasibly gorgeous film stars locked in a drama, with the end credits unlikely to roll any time soon. Now a new Discovery+ documentary takes viewers on a journey through the labyrinthine allegations of the two warring factions, offering an unprecedented peek behind the Hollywood curtain. 'They were promoting a film,' says the documentary's director, Annabelle Draper, 'so you would think there would be a united front. But instead, everything that happened on set is being exposed. I don't think we've seen anything like that before.' The documentary features legal experts, commentators and PR crisis management experts debating both sides of the battle, with Justin's story presented first. A little-known actor whose biggest role to date had been in the comedy drama series Jane The Virgin, he was delighted when in 2019 his production company Wayfarer Studios snapped up the rights to Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel It Ends With Us. As a self-described male feminist, its themes of domestic abuse resonated with Justin and as Hollywood podcaster Lauren Atkinson remarks in the documentary, 'This really was his first big movie deal. It was his baby, if you will.' But it wasn't long before his baby started having the mother of all tantrums. Blake was already a bigger name than he was thanks to TV series such as Gossip Girl and her marriage to Hollywood big-hitter Ryan Reynolds, and Justin soon appeared to be intimidated. In one incident Justin visited her New York penthouse to discuss rewrites of a pivotal scene, only to be met by Blake, her husband and, purportedly, her friend Taylor Swift. 'These are behemoths,' notes podcaster Chanler Bledsoe in the documentary. 'Justin knew their presence was meant to intimidate him into using her rewrites.' And then in November 2023, after just 16 days of filming, Blake threatened to leave the production unless Justin agreed to a set of conditions, including that there shouldn't be any sexually explicit talk or showing of nude videos on set. Peter Tragos, a legal analyst, remarks in the documentary that, 'the difficulty for Justin Baldoni when he sees this list of demands is, 'I agree with all of them. That's exactly how a set should be run. That's exactly how our set is being run.' But they're couched in accusations.' He means the document's tone suggested sexually inappropriate conduct had already taken place during filming. Though Justin did sign the document, he later said he disagreed with its underlying insinuations. In one incident Justin visited her New York penthouse to discuss rewrites of a pivotal scene, only to be met by Blake, her husband and, purportedly, her friend Taylor Swift (Blake and husband Ryan Reynolds pictured) Further problems arose when Blake (also a producer on the film) asked to bring in her own editors. 'Justin would have felt walked all over,' says filmmaker Christel Cornilsen. 'She certainly wouldn't do that to another A-list director.' By May 2024 there were two separate edits of the movie and although Justin's scored higher with preview audiences, Blake allegedly threatened to 'not participate in marketing the film if they didn't use her cut', explains Chanler. Despite mixed reviews the movie was a box- office success, grossing over $350 million worldwide. Blake eventually filed a lawsuit last December accusing Justin of sexual harassment on the set of the film, and less than a month later Justin filed a $400 million ($300 million) countersuit against both Blake and her husband. Despite its dismissal recently, Justin maintains she wrested control of the film from him and manufactured claims of sexual harassment to conceal her actions. 'Ultimately,' says Annabelle, 'the case will be about proving Blake's allegations and some of them are kind of grey. This is still a 'he said, she said'.' The documentary's second half tells Blake's side of the story. Her allegations are far more serious and include claims her co-star improvised unwanted kisses during filming, spoke frequently of a previous pornography addiction and wanted Blake to be naked during the film's birthing scene. But perhaps the most damning accusation is that Justin's team was responsible for a coordinated media attack against Blake amid the film's 2024 release. Her team alleges his publicists conspired to create a global smear campaign against her by generating negative stories through social media, 'so they could get picked up by mainstream news outlets and reported,' explains Daily Mail journalist Daniel Bates in the show. The trial for Blake's complaint is set for next March, and the whole saga 'has been very exposing', says Annabelle. 'Neither side are backing down. Let's remember, a lot of this is talking about life on set and they're both being made out to be absolute nightmares. How will their future employers view it all?'
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blake Lively Gets New Subpoenas Out In Justin Baldoni Legal Case, ‘Source' Claims
and 's legal battle reportedly got a new update as the former issued three new subpoenas. Weeks after her and Taylor Swift's text messages became accessible to her 'It Ends With Us' co-star, Lively subpoenaed Perez Hilton, Candace Owens, and Andy Signore. She seemingly sought all communications with Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties to prove the alleged smear campaign. Her lawsuit also accused him of sexual harassment. TMZ learned about a new development in Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal battle as she reportedly issued three new subpoenas. A source with direct knowledge claimed that Lively subpoenaed content creators Perez Hilton, Candace Owens, and Andy Signore to obtain all communications with Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties. The publication believes her latest move likely stemmed from the judge's order to pursue discovery to prove the alleged smear campaign. Owens responded to the claim in a statement, revealing that she does not know the court documents yet. 'Given the fact that I have not received any subpoena yet, I appreciate Blake's team leaking this to TMZ to alert me to it,' she stated. The commentator and author further said she's unaware why she was 'being subpoenaed.' She then denied association with 'these parties' when they filed their respective lawsuits, but will share updates on her podcast. Responding to the subpoenas from Lively, Signore's lawyer also released a statement. The lawyer stated they haven't received 'any legal process at this time.' However, they expressed their intentions to 'vigorously defend against any claims' and 'protect the confidentiality of sources on both sides' in case of a subpoena. Reports of the subpoenas came weeks after a judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. His team had previously issued two subpoenas to the 'Gossip Girl' alum's close friend Taylor Swift and her lawyers at Venable. They then withdrew the subpoenas soon after, but successfully pursued text messages between the two friends. Originally reported by Nikita Mahato on Reality Tea. The post Blake Lively Gets New Subpoenas Out In Justin Baldoni Legal Case, 'Source' Claims appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni's Legal War Launches More Subpoenas
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively's case has taken another turn. The ongoing legal dispute between the actress and her co-star has taken a new turn, with some notable figures providing details about their contact with one of the parties involved. Justin Baldoni's team had previously subpoenaed pop star Taylor Swift to provide details of any communication between her and Blake Lively about the movie in dispute. Perez Hilton, Candace Owens, and Andy Signore joined the list of celebrities to receive a subpoena from the ongoing case. This time, the three notable faces are being accused of engaging in smear campaigns against Lively due to their connection to Baldoni. The trio is now being subpoenaed to hand over all communications they had with Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties. The new subpoenas are reportedly linked to a judge's order allowing Lively to investigate how Baldoni's team has collaborated with content creators to portray the actress in a negative light. As confirmed by TMZ, Owens, Hilton, and Signore had reportedly discussed the case and many other topics on their highly influential platforms, showing a clear favoritism towards Baldoni. The service indeed reached Swift's doorstep, but her team did not hesitate to express their displeasure at the subpoena and declare the singer's lack of involvement in the case. As reported by The Blast, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedom, who sent the subpoena, had not been discreet about his desire to hear what the singer had to say about her friendship with the actress. Swift's attorneys reiterated that the "Style" singer had nothing to do with the things that occurred between the co-stars on the set of the movie. They clarified that the 35-year-old had "never set foot" on the movie set, nor did she move any needle in securing casting for anyone on the project. "She did not even see 'It Ends With Us' until weeks after its public release and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history," Swift's team concluded. Aside from approving the use of her song "My Tears Ricochet" in the movie, which "19 other artists also did," her team noted that she had no further business with the rest of the production. As June drew to a close, Baldoni's team pulled a shocking twist to the order of things, as previously stated by his lawyers. The Blast reported that Freedman stated that the actor prefers to pursue other legal options rather than refiling old claims. The film director had been given till June 23 to refile the $400 million lawsuit, which was previously dismissed by Judge Lewis J. Liman earlier in June. Reacting to Liman's declaration, Freedman noted that the truth of the matter remained that there was "no harassment nor any smear campaign" against Lively. In March, Freedman shared that the likelihood of Lively and Baldoni becoming cordial should their legal tussle be over does not exist. He emphasized that the entire process had rewired Baldoni in a way that a friendship with Lively is just not the right way to go. "I've represented a lot of people in the worst moments of their career, the worst moments of their life. Justin has been destroyed by this," the attorney explained. For Lively, getting Baldoni's lawsuit dismissed was a great relief. The actress reportedly got emotional upon learning about the development, and she gave a teary response. "Complete elation from Blake's world and a monkey off her back," an insider explained. Following reports of the subpoena sent to Swift, a source from her camp revealed that it may be impossible for the singer to recover from the betrayal she feels over Lively's actions. She reportedly found it hard to swallow the bitter pill that Lively would describe her in that manner in conversation with Baldoni. The mother of four had referred to the singer and her husband as "her dragons" in a text with Baldoni, essentially implying that they would go to great lengths to protect her. She also reportedly compared herself to the Khaleesi character from the "Game of Thrones." The insider further explained, "She will forever be furious at how Blake quite clearly was using her for clout and leverage in her dealings with Justin." Moreover, the source clarified that Taylor and Swift do not even operate on that level in their friendship. The singer reportedly does not see herself as Lively's protector or someone who would go to war for her. The source added: "For starters, Blake is a grown woman who doesn't need anyone to do that for her. Secondly, she's married to one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. It was never a matter of Taylor believing she'd ever have to fight any battles for Blake." How many more subpoenas will Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's case see?
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blake Lively Issues New Subpoenas Amid Justin Baldoni Legal Battle, ‘Source' Claims
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal battle reportedly got a new update as the former issued three new subpoenas. Weeks after her and Taylor Swift's text messages became accessible to her 'It Ends With Us' co-star, Lively subpoenaed Perez Hilton, Candace Owens, and Andy Signore. She seemingly sought all communications with Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties to prove the alleged smear campaign. Her lawsuit also accused him of sexual harassment. TMZ learned about a new development in Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal battle as she reportedly issued three new subpoenas. A source with direct knowledge claimed that Lively subpoenaed content creators Perez Hilton, Candace Owens, and Andy Signore to obtain all communications with Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties. The publication believes her latest move likely stemmed from the judge's order to pursue discovery to prove the alleged smear campaign. Owens responded to the claim in a statement, revealing that she does not know the court documents yet. 'Given the fact that I have not received any subpoena yet, I appreciate Blake's team leaking this to TMZ to alert me to it,' she stated. The commentator and author further said she's unaware why she was 'being subpoenaed.' She then denied association with 'these parties' when they filed their respective lawsuits, but will share updates on her podcast. Responding to the subpoenas from Lively, Signore's lawyer also released a statement. The lawyer stated they haven't received 'any legal process at this time.' However, they expressed their intentions to 'vigorously defend against any claims' and 'protect the confidentiality of sources on both sides' in case of a subpoena. Reports of the subpoenas came weeks after a judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. His team had previously issued two subpoenas to the 'Gossip Girl' alum's close friend Taylor Swift and her lawyers at Venable. They then withdrew the subpoenas soon after, but successfully pursued text messages between the two friends. The post Blake Lively Issues New Subpoenas Amid Justin Baldoni Legal Battle, 'Source' Claims appeared first on Reality Tea.
Fox News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Dan Patrick claims ESPN launched a 'smear campaign' after he parted ways with the network
Former longtime ESPN sportscaster Dan Patrick says he was the target of a "smear campaign" by the network after he made the difficult decision to move on and start his own venture after nearly two decades with the media giant. Patrick, host of "The Dan Patrick Show," made the allegation during a recent appearance on the Barstool podcast, "Pardon My Take." He said after his decision to leave "SportsCenter" in 2007, he believed there were attempts by the network to sandbag his new start. "Oh, frightening," Patrick recalled of his decision to walk away, "Because there was this smear campaign that started. Any radio affiliate that had my show, you'd be dropped as an ESPN affiliate if you decided you still wanted to carry me." Despite the attempt to undermine his success, Patrick said he "understood" the move. He even claimed to be "empowered" by it. "It was heavy-handed, but I understood. It empowered me. Like, 'Holy, s---. I'm gonna matter. They're gonna have to deal with me.'" Patrick, 69, worked for ESPN from 1989 until 2006 and stayed with ESPN Radio until 2007. Many were shocked at the time by his decision to leave, paving the way for his new show. He also claimed in the podcast that after informing the network of his decision, the door shut rather quickly. "It was quick.T hey wanted me out," Patrick said. Fox News Digital reached out to ESPN for comment. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
