Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Engage in Legal Battle

The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has escalated as Baldoni prepares to file a counter-suit against Lively, who accused him of sexual harassment and retaliation in an 80-page complaint. Baldoni, his business partner, and several publicists are expected to argue that Lively's team orchestrated a smear campaign against him, misrepresented WhatsApp messages, and that her lawsuit is an attempt to restore her public image. Lively's initial complaint detailed emotional distress caused by Baldoni's alleged inappropriate behavior on set and claims that he attempted to damage her reputation. Following her filing, Lively received support from numerous industry figures, while Baldoni faced backlash, including the loss of his agents and a rescinded award. The movie, 'It Ends With Us,' based on Colleen Hoover's novel, has been a commercial success, grossing over $350 million on a $25 million budget. The counter-suit will be filed when courts reopen after the New Year break.