Blake Lively is alleging she was the target of a coordinated “mean girl” smear campaign that she says severely damaged her career and business ventures, as she seeks nearly $296 million in damages.
The claims are part of an ongoing legal battle tied to the film It Ends With Us, where Lively has accused director and co-star Justin Baldoni and his team of retaliation following workplace concerns and public fallout.
According to court filings, Lively argues that negative narratives labeling her a “bully” and “mean girl” spread across media and social platforms, causing significant harm to her reputation, earnings, and business opportunities.
She claims the alleged campaign led to losses across multiple areas, including acting income and her business ventures in beauty and beverage brands, as well as wider reputational damage valued in the tens of millions.
Her legal team is also seeking additional compensation for emotional distress, with filings referencing humiliation and personal impact alongside financial losses.
The dispute stems from tensions during and after production of It Ends With Us, which later escalated into a wider public and legal conflict between both parties.
Baldoni and his representatives have denied the allegations, arguing that the reported damages are inflated and that Lively cannot personally claim certain business-related losses.
His legal team has also pushed back on claims of a coordinated smear campaign, suggesting that the negative public reaction was not orchestrated.
The case has become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal battles, involving claims of retaliation, reputational harm, and behind-the-scenes PR disputes.
A trial is expected to further examine the competing allegations, with both sides maintaining firm positions ahead of court proceedings.
