Explosive court filings have revealed a bitter behind-the-scenes dispute on the set of the film It Ends With Us, with actress Blake Lively allegedly threatening to enlist her friend Taylor Swift to pull a song from the project. According to documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Lively used the potential withdrawal of Swift's track as leverage in a row over the movie's trailer.
The 'Nuclear' Threat Over The Trailer
The conflict centred on which version of the film's promotional trailer would be used. Lively, a star and producer on the adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, wanted her own edit to be released. Director and co-star Justin Baldoni had assembled a different cut.
In a timeline of events submitted to the US District Court in New York by the film's producers, it is alleged that Lively claimed she would call Swift and have her refuse permission for the use of her song 'My Tears Ricochet' unless she got her way. The log, compiled by producer Jamey Heath in May 2024, states: "BL [Lively] would not approve the trailer. We had also wanted to use Taylor Swift song and BL threatened to call Taylor and not allow it."
In a deposition, Baldoni described this tactic as a "nuclear bomb" he constantly feared. He suggested Lively could deploy a "Taylor Swift playbook" by framing herself as a victim to sway public opinion. Baldoni explained he felt outmatched, calling himself "somebody small" in Hollywood dealing with a "titan like Ms Lively and some of the most powerful people in the world, which are her best friends."
A Legal Battle Escalates to $400 Million
This allegation forms part of a sprawling legal battle set for trial in March. Lively initially sued Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on set and orchestrating a smear campaign against her—claims he vehemently denies. Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation lawsuit.
He has claimed Lively's threats and actions forced him to relinquish control of the film, alleging she essentially took over the production. Baldoni is now seeking to have Lively's allegations of sexual harassment and defamation dismissed by the court.
The documents paint a picture of extreme tension, including a meeting in January 2024 at Lively's New York apartment. It is reported that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, confronted Baldoni over his treatment of Lively, while Swift and actor Hugh Jackman were also present. During this meeting, Lively allegedly read a list of demands for her to resume filming after a pause caused by the Hollywood writers' strike.
Denials and Dismissed Claims
In his testimony, Baldoni admitted to an unusual personal disclosure during his first meeting with Lively in December 2022, stating he volunteered that he was not circumcised. He claimed this was in the context of a discussion about whether her unborn child would undergo the procedure. Baldoni denied Lively used the word "abuse" to describe his behaviour, though he recalled her saying "creepy."
Swift's representatives have forcefully rejected any suggestion of her involvement, ridiculing attempts to include her in the case. They stated she never visited the set, was not involved in any creative decisions, did not see an edit of the film until weeks after its release, and was touring globally during the relevant period.
A judge has already dismissed Baldoni's case, but Lively's lawsuit is scheduled to proceed to trial in March, ensuring this Hollywood clash will remain in the headlines.
