In a surprising escalation of the ongoing legal drama surrounding the film "It Ends With Us," both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have filed competing lawsuits. The disputes follow serious allegations made by Lively against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and a calculated assault on her character both on and off the set.

Lively's lawsuit, lodged in New York, (BBC) on December 20, alleged that the "Jane the Virgin" actor engaged in a "hostile" campaign to harm her reputation after she detailed instances of inappropriate behavior during filming. This included accusations of emotional distress linked to supposed misconduct by Baldoni. She has claimed compensatory damages for "lost wages" and mental anguish but did not specify an amount. In response to Lively's allegations, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against the New York Times, asserting they published a "false and defamatory article" regarding the claims, in which he states they relied heavily on Lively's "unverified narrative."

The claim against the Times, which seeks at least $250 million in damages, was filed on (Business Insider) January 1. Baldoni alleges that the Times engaged in a "smear campaign" alongside Lively, effectively undermining his career. The newspaper, however, staunchly defended its reporting, asserting that it was based on a thorough examination of documentation and personal accounts related to Lively's claims, stating, "To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, and other subjects have not pointed to a single error" in its report.

Accompanying Baldoni's accusations are claims made about his treatment by Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds. In his legal filing, Baldoni described an aggressive confrontation with Reynolds which escalated after he inquired about Lively’s weight prior to a scene involving a lift. Baldoni contends that this innocent question was misconstrued as 'fat shaming' and led to a heated exchange during which he felt compelled to apologize repeatedly. Notably, his team claims this episode resulted in significant emotional stress for Baldoni.

The lawsuit further alleges that Lively exerted control over the production process by frequently altering the film's script without authorization, creating tension among the production team who feared for their schedules and resources. Baldoni claims that following the publication of the Times article, he was dropped by his talent agency, WME, which also represents Lively and Reynolds. Baldoni has accused the couple of orchestrating a campaign that pressured the agency into terminating his contract.

Throughout this tumultuous ordeal, Baldoni maintains that the media representation of events is biased and does not accurately reflect the reality of their interactions. He points to specific text communications intended to dismantle the narrative painted by the Times, saying these messages provide evidence that contradicts Lively's allegations. A spokesperson for the Times reiterated their commitment to journalistic integrity, insisting the reporting was responsible and thoroughly vetted.

The public interest in this case continues to grow, with both Lively and Baldoni's narratives becoming central to ongoing discussions about workplace conduct and accountability in Hollywood. As both parties prepare for a potentially protracted legal battle, many are watching closely, not only for the resolution of their accusations but for the implications this case may have on the industry as a whole.

For further details, read the full articles by (The Guardian), (Los Angeles Times), (The Daily Beast), and (USA Today).