In a rapidly evolving legal dispute, actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni have escalated their conflict surrounding the film It Ends With Us. On January 21, 2025, Baldoni's legal counsel released nearly ten minutes of behind-the-scenes footage that they argue refutes Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment. In the video, Lively and Baldoni are seen filming a slow dance scene, during which they exchange light-hearted banter, including remarks about Lively's spray tan and Baldoni’s beard.

Lively's lawsuit, filed in December 2024, accuses Baldoni of inappropriate conduct, claiming he behaved outside the expectations of their roles during filming, making unwelcome comments. Her team has called the footage release a "media stunt," aimed at manipulating public opinion rather than addressing the serious allegations at hand, according to reports from CNN and USA Today.

This legal drama has garnered significant media attention and public scrutiny, as community perspectives swing noticeably with audience speculation about the footage. Social media reactions have generally favored Baldoni, sparking theories that Lively harbored an unrequited crush on him, as indicated by various user comments on platforms like TikTok. Critics argue that such narratives may undermine Lively's credibility and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women's responses to harassment, as explored by commentators and experts in the field, including authors Nicole Bedera and Leora Tanenbaum.

In an effort to curb what they perceive as a coordinated media campaign against Lively, her legal team has filed a motion requesting a hearing to address the conduct of Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman. They claim his continuous public statements threaten to prejudice ongoing litigation by affecting jury perceptions, seeking court intervention to limit his media outreach. This dynamic of public commentary versus legal procedure adds complexity to the already intense media scrutiny surrounding both actors. In response to the tumult, Baldoni has counter-sued Lively, seeking $400 million in damages, accusing her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion, reflecting the profound impact this high-profile case is having on public discourse surrounding workplace harassment. For further detailed insight, visit the articles by BBC, Forbes, and Salon.