Why Colleen Hoover Now Sees 'It Ends With Us' Differently After Blake Lively Lawsuit
Author Colleen Hoover says she now sees It Ends With Us from a different perspective following the legal conflict involving its stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Colleen Hoover discusses viewing It Ends With Us differently following the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as their trial approaches.
The bestselling novel was adapted into a 2024 film featuring Lively and Baldoni. Hoover recently spoke about the situation while appearing on the podcast Open Book, hosted by Jenna Bush Hager, where she was promoting another film project, Reminders of Him.
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During the discussion, Hager asked Hoover whether it had been difficult to see a story centered on sensitive themes become linked to a legal dispute. The author acknowledged that the situation has been challenging but explained that over time she has found it easier to separate the film’s success from the surrounding drama.
Hoover noted that the movie’s opening weekend surprised everyone involved. She said readers strongly supported the adaptation and that the project resonated widely with audiences. Because of that response, she said she remains proud of the film and the work done by the cast and crew.
According to Hoover, the performances, direction, and overall production made the movie something she continues to appreciate, even while the legal situation unfolds separately from both the book and the film.
She also described the circumstances as unfortunate but said she remains thankful that the story was ultimately brought to life on screen.
In an earlier interview with Elle in November, Hoover spoke about how the lawsuit had affected the film’s reception. She said the situation had overshadowed the project to the point that she sometimes feels hesitant to mention the book when asked about her work.
The dispute began several months after the movie’s release. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, who served as both her co-star and the film’s director. Her complaint accused him of sexual harassment, retaliation, and creating a hostile work environment.
Baldoni has denied the accusations. He also filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times after the publication reported on Lively’s complaint.
The legal conflict between the actors is ongoing, with the trial scheduled to begin on May 18.
