BREAKING: Ryan Reynolds wife Blake Lively Secures Major Legal Victory as Judge Grants Protective Order in Escalating Lawsuit Against ‘It Ends With Us’ Co-Star Justin Baldoni, Deepening the Off-Screen Drama Surrounding Their 2024 Film

Blake Lively Wins Protective Order in High-Profile Legal Battle Against Justin Baldoni Over ‘It Ends With Us’ Controversy

Los Angeles, March 13, 2025 — In a significant development in the ongoing legal feud between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, a judge has granted Lively a protective order against her “It Ends With Us” co-star, marking a pivotal victory in their escalating dispute. The ruling, reported by Page Six on Thursday evening, has further intensified the off-screen drama surrounding the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, which has already been marred by allegations of harassment, retaliation, and defamation.

The legal battle stems from the tumultuous production and promotional tour of “It Ends With Us,” a romantic drama that explores the complexities of domestic violence. Lively, 37, and Baldoni, 40, who also directed the film, have found themselves at odds following the movie’s release, with each accusing the other of misconduct. Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and a hostile work environment during filming. Her complaint, detailed in court documents and widely reported by outlets like Vulture and Fox News, claims Baldoni and his team engaged in behavior that undermined her professional reputation and personal well-being, particularly after she took on a more significant creative role in the project.

Baldoni, in turn, has denied all allegations and countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicists in January 2025, seeking $400 million in damages. His lawsuit accuses Lively of defamation and extortion, asserting that her claims were a calculated attempt to salvage her public image following backlash over the film’s marketing and perceived on-set tensions. Baldoni’s legal team, led by attorney Bryan Freedman, has argued that Lively’s accusations lack substantial evidence and are part of a broader campaign to damage his reputation and that of his production company, Wayfarer Studios.

The latest court decision, announced on March 13, 2025, addresses Lively’s request for a protective order to safeguard sensitive evidence and communications in the case. According to Page Six, the judge’s ruling partially approved Lively’s proposal, granting heightened protections to shield her from potential further harm during the legal proceedings. While the order was not a blanket approval as Lively had initially sought, it represents a significant win for the actress, who has garnered public support from co-stars like Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate amid the controversy.

The protective order comes after months of public and legal wrangling, with both parties’ legal teams clashing over confidentiality and the scope of evidence in the case. A 90-minute court hearing on March 6, as reported by Fox News, saw heated arguments over how much protection was necessary, with Baldoni’s team arguing that Lively’s request was overly broad. However, the judge’s decision to grant the order suggests a recognition of the seriousness of Lively’s claims, at least in the context of ensuring a fair legal process.

The “It Ends With Us” saga has captivated Hollywood and fans alike, overshadowing the film’s intended message about breaking cycles of abuse. The movie, which grossed over $300 million worldwide, faced criticism during its press tour for allegedly romanticizing domestic violence—a critique Baldoni addressed in interviews, emphasizing the film’s intent to spark meaningful conversations. Yet, the actors’ off-screen conflict has dominated headlines, with reports of on-set tension, creative disagreements, and a fractured promotional campaign fueling speculation about their rift.

Lively’s legal team has framed the dispute as a fight for accountability and workplace safety, while Baldoni’s camp insists the accusations are fabricated and part of a smear campaign. The protective order ruling is unlikely to end the feud, with both sides expected to continue their legal battles in the coming months. Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicists remains active, with Lively’s attorneys recently filing an amended complaint citing text messages as evidence of her team’s deliberate silence amid early rumors of conflict.

Public reaction has been divided, with some fans and industry observers rallying behind Lively, citing her allegations and the support of co-stars, while others question the timing and motives behind her claims. Social media platforms, including X, have buzzed with commentary, with users like @ChristopherGeog and @Tami offering varied perspectives on the ruling’s implications. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry watches closely, anticipating further developments in this high-stakes Hollywood showdown.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the legacy of “It Ends With Us” hangs in the balance—once hailed as a poignant adaptation, it now risks being remembered for the bitter feud between its stars. For Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the courtroom has become the latest stage in a drama that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.