Colleen Hoover Supports Blake Lively Amid Allegations Against Justin Baldoni
It Ends with Us author Colleen Hoover has voiced her support for actress Blake Lively following Lively's allegations of sexual harassment against the film adaptation’s director and co-star, Justin Baldoni.
In an Instagram Stories post on Saturday, Dec. 21, the same day Lively's complaint became public, Hoover, 45, expressed solidarity with the actress. She also linked to The New York Times article detailing the allegations.
“@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met,” Hoover wrote alongside a photo of herself and Lively, 37, embracing at a film screening. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Allegations Against Justin Baldoni
Lively's complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, accuses Baldoni of misconduct during the production of It Ends with Us. The document alleges that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior, prompting a meeting between producers and Lively to address her concerns about both Baldoni and lead producer Jamey Heath.
According to the complaint, the meeting resulted in agreements to enforce boundaries, including prohibitions on “improvised kissing,” unwanted physical contact, and sexual comments without prior consent. Producers also agreed not to add unapproved intimate scenes. However, Lively alleges that Baldoni violated these agreements and launched a retaliatory smear campaign against her.
Evidence in the complaint reportedly includes emails and texts suggesting Baldoni’s PR team planned to “[plant] stories about [Lively’s] weaponization of feminism” and orchestrate social media efforts to “change [the] narrative” around her accusations. Lively claims these actions have caused her severe emotional distress, affecting her family as well.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, called Lively’s claims “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt.”
Colleen Hoover and Blake Lively’s Bond
Hoover has frequently expressed admiration for Lively, who stars as Lily Bloom in the highly anticipated adaptation of It Ends with Us. The two share a strong friendship, which Lively celebrated earlier this month in an Instagram post marking Hoover’s birthday.
“Everyone who knows this woman is changed for it,” Lively wrote, praising Hoover’s kindness, humor, and integrity. She added, “Her quiet fortitude is mighty. And she always chooses the kindest path.”
Hoover, in turn, has applauded Lively’s performance in the film, calling it “captivating, stunning, and emotional.” She previously told PEOPLE, “Blake Lively truly brought Lily Bloom to life in a way that exceeded all my expectations.”
What’s Next
Lively’s allegations, which may lead to a discrimination lawsuit in California, have drawn significant attention to the project. As the case develops, fans continue to rally behind both Lively and Hoover, awaiting further updates on the situation.
