Actress Blake Lively and her co-star Justin Baldoni are currently locked in a bitter legal row over the movie adaption of hit novel, It Ends With Us.
Last year, Blake filed a lawsuit against her co-star who she accused of sexual harassment which caused “severe emotional distress.” Lively, 37, also alleges that Baldoni, 41, had attempted to “destroy” her reputation in what she has dubbed a smear campaign.
Justin has strongly denied all allegations and just last month, countersued Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, 48, for £321 million ($400m) for an apparent attempt to destroy his reputation and career. In Justin’s latest lawsuit, his court documents claim that Colleen had a better relationship with him and quotes her as saying: “You are the right person to make this movie.”
But it’s since emerged that Colleen Hoover, who penned the book It Ends With Us, has made a bold move. The author has removed all traces of Blake from her social media pages in wake of the lawsuit. But who has stepped out to support both sides? Here, the Mirror explores the celebrities who have been vocal for both Justin and Blake.
A Simple Favour director, Paul, has spoken out, saying that Blake is “one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people” he has worked with over his career. In view of his 1.9 million followers on X, the American director was very vocal about his support.
He said: “I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this.”
Amber Heard, who herself was locked in a legal battle against her ex-husband Johnny Depp, also spoke publicly about Blake. In a statement to NBC News, she admitted the backlash against Blake was “horrifying.” She told the outlet: “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’
“I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”
Blake starred with America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel in the 2005 movie. And all actresses spoke fondly of Blake as they showed their solidarity towards her. The trio took to Instagram to share a joint statement on December 23, which has since been liked over 170,000 times.
They said: “As Blake’s friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation. Throughout the filming of It Ends with Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.
“Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.” They went on to add: “We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment. We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.
“For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times. America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn & Alexis Bledel.”
While Amy hasn’t shared a lengthy response to the lawsuit, she took to her Instagram Stories to vocally support Blake with just a few words. The actress said: “I believe Blake.”
The actress, who worked on the film as Justin’s sister and Blake’s best friend branded the lawsuit “disturbing” and claimed they were an “attack on her reputation.” Speaking on December 23 to Today, she said: “As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation.
“Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her. What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
Political influencer Candace was honest about her support for Justin on Christmas Eve last year. She re-shared a post by Pop Crave stating that Justin should be entitled to share his side of the story – before being stripped of any achievements. Taking to Twitter in view of her 6.6 million followers, she said: “Hear me out… What if rather than believing women or men we waited for more facts and allowed Justin Baldoni to have his day in court before stripping him of awards?”
During an appearance on NBC, Candance introduced a clip of Byran Freedman, Justin’s lawyer, by saying: “Now, I like Bryan Freedman. He seems like a tiger. And I can just tell he’s telling the truth. Mommy intuition.” Speaking of Blake, she added: “The vibes are not vibing here for her.”
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