The evolving saga surrounding the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us continues to dominate headlines, drawing attention for both its blockbuster success and its off-screen controversies. Key figures like Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Hoover herself have found themselves embroiled in a storm of allegations, lawsuits, and intense public scrutiny. Hoover, the author behind the bestselling novel, has taken a significant step back from the chaos, deactivating her Instagram account — a move that has left fans and industry insiders speculating about her position in the unfolding drama (The Sun).

The Roots of the Conflict

The tension reportedly began during the film’s promotional tour in late 2024, when eagle-eyed fans noticed a lack of camaraderie between the film’s leads, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Observers noted that neither promoted the other on social media, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes discord. What initially seemed like mere rumors took a sharp turn when Lively filed an official complaint on December 20, 2024, with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of fostering a hostile work environment. 

According to the complaint, Lively cited multiple instances of inappropriate comments and unwanted physical interactions from Baldoni during filming. She also claimed that after voicing her concerns, Baldoni and his PR team retaliated by launching a smear campaign aimed at discrediting her both personally and professionally. This retaliation, Lively alleged, included the dissemination of damaging rumors and the deliberate undermining of her career. 

Baldoni’s Counteroffensive

Baldoni wasted no time responding to the allegations. Denying all accusations, he filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times on January 3, 2025, accusing the publication of publishing a biased narrative based on Lively’s claims without proper investigation.

See the response here:

@cbseveningnews Actor Blake Lively accused her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni and the studio behind the film of sexual harassment in a bombshell complaint announced on Saturday. An attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios called the allegations false and outrageous. #news #movie #blakelively #justinbaldoni #itendswithus ♬ original sound - CBSEveningNews

The situation escalated further when, on January 16, Baldoni initiated a $400 million defamation lawsuit against not only Lively but also her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and her longtime publicist, Leslie Sloan. The suit alleged that the trio had coordinated to defame him and wrest control of the film’s creative direction. Baldoni’s legal team argued that the accusations were baseless and part of a calculated scheme to tarnish his reputation and position Lively as the true creative force behind the adaptation 

Here’s a TikTok of the breakdown on Baldoni’s case:

@devotedly.yours

Justin Baldoni she’s Blake Lively, her publicist, and Ryan Reynolds  for $400 million 

♬ original sound - Nuha

Hoover’s Social Media Exit

While the spotlight remained fixed on the escalating legal battle, Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends With Us, became an unexpected figure in the controversy. Initially, Hoover appeared to subtly signal her support for Lively by sharing an Instagram Story with a quote about standing up for oneself. However, as the drama intensified, Hoover deactivated her Instagram account on January 21, 2025, effectively removing herself from the public conversation.

See a Perez Hilton breakdown on her exit here:

For fans, Hoover’s decision was a surprising turn of events. Known for her active engagement with readers and vocal enthusiasm for the film adaptation, her silence left many questioning her stance. Some fans expressed disappointment, wishing she had taken a more definitive position, while others praised her for prioritizing her peace amid the turmoil. 

The Impact on the Film and Industry

Despite the off-screen drama, It Ends With Us managed to secure box office success, grossing $350 million worldwide and sparking widespread interest in Hoover’s other works. However, the controversies surrounding the film have raised pressing questions about the intersection of art, business, and ethics in Hollywood.

The allegations against Baldoni have sparked broader conversations about workplace culture and accountability in the entertainment industry. At the same time, the lawsuits have exposed the complexities of adapting a beloved novel into a film, particularly when high-profile actors and creative disagreements come into play. Industry experts have pointed to the situation as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of clear communication and mutual respect in collaborative projects.

Where Things Stand Now

With multiple lawsuits still unresolved, the future of the It Ends With Us franchise remains uncertain. Blake Lively’s legal team has maintained that their claims against Baldoni are grounded in fact, with her attorneys calling his countersuit a “transparent attempt to shift blame.” Meanwhile, Baldoni’s representatives have doubled down on their defense, asserting that the accusations against him are part of a larger campaign to destroy his career and reputation.

As for Hoover, her decision to step away from social media reflects the often-overlooked personal toll of public disputes. While fans speculate on her next moves, it’s clear that the author is choosing to prioritize her mental well-being over the pressures of public engagement. For Hoover, the chaos surrounding the film adaptation is undoubtedly a stark reminder of the challenges that can come with translating a beloved story from page to screen. 

The Broader Implications

The unfolding drama is more than just a Hollywood scandal; it’s a case study in how legal battles, creative conflicts, and public perception can intersect in ways that complicate even the most successful projects. The situation has cast a long shadow over what was supposed to be a landmark achievement for Colleen Hoover and her readers, turning the spotlight instead on the complexities of power dynamics, the fragility of reputations, and the intense scrutiny that comes with fame.

For now, fans and industry watchers alike will have to wait and see how the lawsuits unfold and whether any resolution can bring closure to the many parties involved. One thing is certain: the adaptation of It Ends with Us has become as layered and dramatic as the story it sought to tell.

Photo Credit: @stylecaster.