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Blake Lively's On-Set Dispute
Justin Baldoni’s former agent, Danny Greenberg, described Blake Lively’s conduct during the making of It Ends With Us as “extortion” in a July 2024 deposition.
“described Blake Lively’s behavior during the making of the film It Ends With Us as “extortion” in a July 2024 deposition transcript, though he later clarified he did not mean literal criminal extortion.”
Greenberg alleged that Lively applied pressure to gain creative control and issued threats tied to the August 2024 premiere.
He later clarified that he did not mean literal criminal extortion by this term.
Multiple outlets report that Greenberg’s claims included outreach to Sony and discussions with an executive about Lively’s behavior.
One account also references an incident at the New York premiere that allegedly led to Baldoni being kept apart from Lively.
Legal-focused coverage characterizes “extortion” here as a metaphor for coercive business pressure rather than a criminal act.
Overview of Legal Disputes Timeline
The timeline and legal posture are reported with key differences.
Several outlets say the conflict escalated after Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint in December 2024, which Baldoni denies.
A judge dismissed Baldoni's $400 million counterclaims in June.
Other coverage places the feud’s start a year earlier, saying Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment in December 2023.
Tabloid and legal-industry sources additionally note Baldoni’s broader litigation, including a $250 million suit against The New York Times and related fee and malpractice actions.
The case is set for trial in March 2026.
Allegations of Film Control Pressure
Greenberg’s specific allegations center on threats and studio pressure.
“discussed her behavior with a Sony executive.”
Accounts say he warned Sony about Lively’s alleged attempts to control the film.
He discussed her behavior with a Sony executive and cited threats around the August 2024 premiere.
One outlet reports he said Baldoni risked being sidelined if he didn’t cede control.
Another adds a unique claim that Baldoni was isolated at the New York premiere to avoid Lively.
Coverage from legal outlets recasts this as the use of star power to exert coercive pressure for creative control.
Dispute Over Harassment Claims
Lively’s side rejects the narrative of a "takeover."
Her spokesperson states that the court already dismissed claims that she tried to seize control.
They also describe Greenberg’s deposition as a distraction from her sexual harassment and retaliation case.
Testimony from her talent agent Warren Zavala suggests no awareness of incidents during filming but acknowledges issues arose in post-production.
Other testimony cited by tabloids indicates that alleged inappropriate incidents were concentrated early in filming, with later complaints surfacing post-production.
Baldoni denies all harassment and retaliation claims.
Media Coverage of Legal Disputes
Broader coverage diverges in scope and framing.
“Legal experts note the term “extortion” is used metaphorically... Both sides are preparing further depositions that could escalate the case beyond a private employment dispute.”
Lawyer Monthly offers legal context, calling the “extortion” claim metaphorical and situating it within disputes over creative control.
The Blast widens the lens to additional lawsuits, including Baldoni’s $250 million claim against The New York Times and countersuits around fees and malpractice.
TMZ highlights real-time optics like Baldoni saying he’s taking the high road.
Some outlets note a March 2026 trial schedule.
In contrast, certain sources provide no substantive article text, underscoring gaps in coverage across media types.