Justin directed and acted in *It Ends With Us* alongside Blake. Getty Images
The ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to intensify after a controversial scene from their film It Ends With Us was brought into the spotlight. The dispute, which began with accusations from Blake, now sees both sides presenting evidence to support their claims.
In a recent move on January 21, Justin's legal team released unedited footage of a dance scene filmed in May 2023. The clip was intended to counter Blake's accusations that Justin made her uncomfortable by nuzzling her neck and commenting on her scent, saying, "It smells so good."
The video shows Blake and Justin laughing and talking about their spouses while filming a slow dance. They jokingly discussed how Justin's nose kept getting in the way of their kissing scenes. Justin’s team, alongside the video, issued a statement defending his actions, emphasizing that both actors were behaving professionally. According to the statement, the scene was designed to capture two characters falling in love and longing for each other. The lawyers argued that the footage disproves Blake’s claims of inappropriate behavior. They claimed that the videos show both actors interacting respectfully and professionally, staying within the scope of the scene.
Justin's legal team made public an unedited video from their dance scene. Hello!
In response, Blake’s legal team quickly released their own statement, strongly criticizing the footage release. They maintained that the video only reinforced their client's harassment allegations. According to Blake's representatives, the footage clearly shows Justin repeatedly invading her personal space, attempting to kiss her, rubbing his face against her neck, and making unsolicited comments about her scent. They pointed out that Justin’s actions were entirely unplanned and occurred without prior discussion or consent. Additionally, they highlighted the absence of an intimacy coordinator, suggesting that Blake's discomfort was clear, as she appeared to lean away from him and suggested talking instead of continuing the scene.
Blake’s team emphasized that Justin, not only her co-star but also the director, studio head, and her boss, was in a position of power, which made the situation even more troubling. They added that anyone who has experienced inappropriate workplace behavior would recognize Blake’s clear discomfort.
The legal drama took another twist when Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin on December 31, 2024, accusing his team of conducting a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing her reputation ahead of her harassment allegations. In retaliation, Justin countersued Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, on January 17, 2025. He claimed the couple was using their celebrity influence to destroy his career. Furthermore, Justin took legal action against the New York Times, alleging they had published defamatory material regarding the alleged smear campaign.
This complex and emotionally charged legal battle has drawn significant attention, with both sides determined to prove their claims. As the case continues to unfold, both Blake and Justin's reputations and careers hang in the balance.
