The ongoing legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken another turn, with a New York judge setting a trial date for March 2025. The case, which has been escalating in both public and legal arenas, stems from allegations and counterclaims between the two stars of the film It Ends with Us. According to reports, Lively initially filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, followed by a federal lawsuit in New York on December 31 [[2]].In response, Baldoni has filed a $400 million countersuit, accusing Lively of “hijacking” the film he was directing and falsely portraying him in a negative light. He has even released outtakes from the film to support his claims [[3]]. The case has drawn significant media attention, with both parties now communicating solely through their shared agent, Jeremy Barber of UTA.
Meanwhile, netflix, the platform behind the film, has reportedly shown little interest in providing the usual courtesies to Lively, such as transportation and accommodation, to facilitate her attendance at awards season events. This lack of support has raised eyebrows in the industry, especially given Lively’s status as an Oscar contender [[1]].
The scandal surrounding It Ends with us is not the only controversy making headlines.The film Emilia Pérez, which has yet to premiere in Colombia, has already sparked backlash in Mexico. Critics have condemned the film’s portrayal of drug trafficking and its casting choices, which favored foreign actors over Mexican talent. This has led to widespread debate about cultural depiction in Hollywood [[1]].
Experts suggest that the negative publicity could have a mixed impact on the film’s box office performance. While the controversy has undoubtedly raised awareness, it may also lead to audience fatigue. Additionally, the ongoing Gascón scandal could jeopardize the film’s Oscar aspirations. The outcome will become clearer at the awards ceremony on March 2 [[1]].
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Legal Battle | blake Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint and lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, who countersued for $400 million. |
| Trial Date | Set for March 2025 in New York. |
| Netflix’s Role | Reportedly not providing Lively with standard awards season support. |
| Emilia Pérez Controversy | Criticized for its portrayal of drug trafficking and casting choices in Mexico. |
| Oscar Impact | Scandal may affect the film’s chances at the Oscars. |
As the legal and cultural battles continue, the entertainment industry watches closely. Will the controversies overshadow the films’ artistic merits, or will they fade into the background as the awards season progresses? Only time will tell.
