Colleen Hoover is back on social media with a bang. The celebrity author of the bestselling novel “It Ends With Us,” which became the inspiration behind the hit movie with the same title, has ended her weeks-long Instagram break. As soon as she came back, one of the first things she did was delete photos of the movie’s stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Her reasons are pretty obvious.
Colleen Hoover decided that her Instagram profile is better off without any traces of both actors. This is coming after a fierce legal battle intensified between actor and director Justin Baldoni and colleague Blake Lively. The pair who played lead roles in the celebrated 2024 movie have been enmeshed in sexual harassment and defamation allegations since last year.
Both parties have presented damning allegations against each other. Their attorneys have also engaged in a war of words and hostile media campaigns. It looks like Hoover is tired of being linked to the embarrassing situation.
January 22, 2025, Hoover had decided to suspend her activity on the social media site. After three weeks, she has returned with a resolve to sever links with both celebrities and, by extension, their legal squabbles.
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What Happened Between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?
“It Ends With Us” had all the signs of a perfect movie project. Movie buffs and the larger entertainment community erupted with jubilation after filmmaker Baldoni announced the movie adaptation in 2019. The book was already a hit. It sold over 20 million copies and became a hot topic on social media sites such as TikTok.
The movie also promised to have a perfect cast. Jubilation and excitement intensified after “Gossip Girl” alum, Blake Lively was announced as a major cast. True to expectations, the movie was a huge and instant success after its August 9, 2024 release. It had bagged over $50 million after its second weekend.
But things were about to change drastically. It turned out that there was trouble behind the scenes. Rumors of a rift between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively soon began to swirl. The stories received confirmation in December when Lively filed a legal complaint against Baldoni citing sexual harassment and defamation.
The complaint mentioned “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior.” She also alleged that Baldoni sponsored a smear campaign against her online after she confronted him. Lively said Baldoni orchestrated a “sophisticated, coordinated, and well-financed retaliation plan” against her.
Baldoni has denied all the allegations. Through his lawyer, he described the claims as “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt” him. He also filed his own lawsuit on December 31, 2o24. He sued the New York Times for $250 million for a publication they did over the issue where they seemed to side with Lively.
On January 16, 2025, Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million. He alleged civil extortion, defamation, false light invasion of privacy, and many more. Baldoni accused Lively of intentionally lying against him to rob him of prospective economic advantage.
Why Did “It Ends With Us” Author Colleen Hoover Remove Lively and Baldoni Photos?
Colleen Hoover never expected things to turn out the way they did. Obviously, she is sick of the drama and negative publicity the Lively and Baldoni fight has generated. Although she initially took Lively’s side soon after she filed her case in court, Hoover’s recent action seems to have cast her as a neutral party in the drama.
When Lively’s claims first broke out, Hoover posted a solidarity message to the actor on her Instagram Story. “@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met,” Hoover stated. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt,” she added.
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What is the Story About It Ends With Us?
Blake Lively played Lily Bloom, a florist who resides in Boston. Bloom’s search for love and craving for adventure led her into a love triangle. On one end was a compassionate admirer and first lover, Atlas Corrigan who was waiting for a chance to win her heart back.
On the other end was her more attractive and charming boyfriend, Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni. Baldoni seems more like her dream man. But she fell in love with him and endangered her own life. Just like she witnessed with her parents while growing up, Kincaid, who was a successful neurosurgeon, made her his punching bag.
After Atlas Corrigan stepped in, Bloom had a difficult decision to make. Will she choose fantasy and adventure over someone who truly loves her? So many viewers discovered the answer as soon as the movie dropped.
When is It Ends With Us Movie Release Date?
“It Ends With Us” was released on August 9, 2024. Already, the film has been a massive success. So far, it has brought in more than $350 million in box office global returns. Despite the negative press emanating from the Justin Balldoni and Blake Lively controversy, the movie broke boundaries. But for now, author Colleen Hoover is staying away as far as possible from the drama.
The 45-year-old Sulphur Springs, Texas writer just wants to churn out more great works. She wouldn’t also mind adding to her collections of prestigious awards. In 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016, she bagged the Goodreads Choice Awards for four different novels including “It Ends With Us.”
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