Since Justin Baldoni announced the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel It Ends With Us in 2019, excitement has been building. The book has become a cultural phenomenon, selling over 20 million copies and trending on TikTok with more than one billion tags. When Blake Lively, known for her iconic role as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, was cast as the lead character, Lily Bloom, fans were thrilled. Many considered her the perfect fit for the role of a young woman navigating the complexities of love and domestic abuse.
The Film’s Success
It Ends With Us, released in August, quickly became a box office hit, grossing over $350 million globally. Lively plays Lily, a florist in Boston, who finds herself in a complicated love triangle between Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Justin Baldoni, and her first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar). Despite the film’s commercial success, the atmosphere behind the scenes became tense, leading to rumors of a feud between Lively and Baldoni even before its release.
Behind the Scenes Controversy
Recently, Lively filed a legal complaint against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her, allegations Baldoni has strongly denied. The press tour for It Ends With Us raised eyebrows for its unusual focus. Rather than addressing the serious themes of domestic abuse, the tour was characterized by vibrant pink carpets, floral displays, and promotions for Lively’s haircare brand and her husband’s gin company. Many critics felt the promotional events missed the mark, with Lively being advised to keep discussions “fun and light-hearted,” steering away from the film’s serious subject matter.
One notable moment was Lively’s remark at the New York premiere, where she stated, “You are so much more than just a survivor or just a victim.” This statement faced backlash from domestic abuse survivors, including Ashley Paige, who criticized Lively for not acknowledging the lasting impact of trauma on identity. Additionally, Lively’s comment in a promotional video, encouraging viewers to “grab your friends, wear your florals and head out to see it,” was perceived as trivializing the film’s serious themes.
Notable Absences and Rumors
Amid the promotional activities, fans noticed the absence of Baldoni during several key events, including the London premiere. Questions arose regarding why Lively and Baldoni were not photographed together at the New York premiere, and they did not conduct interviews together throughout the tour. Lively’s team reportedly advised against asking any questions about Baldoni, further fueling speculation about their relationship.
Social media also played a role in the rumors, as eagle-eyed fans noted that Lively and author Colleen Hoover did not follow Baldoni on social platforms. Despite the speculation, Baldoni described Lively in an interview with Today as a “dynamic creative” who significantly contributed to the film’s production. “She had her hands in every part of this production, and everything she touched made it better,” he stated, reflecting a positive perspective on their collaboration.
Conclusion
The story of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni surrounding It Ends With Us highlights the complexities of Hollywood relationships, especially when a film tackles sensitive issues like domestic abuse. While the film’s box office success is undeniable, the off-screen drama adds another layer to the narrative. As both actors navigate their careers and personal lives, fans remain eager to see how their paths will unfold in the future.
