The title of the film It Ends With Us is ironic given the reality behind the scenes and the dramas that unfolded in 2024. When the cast arrived on the red carpet without mentioning or posing for photos with director Justin Baldoni, gossip about fights during filming leaked. But little by little, the narrative changed. And it didn’t get any better. Then the news that actress Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni accusing him of sexual harassment and coordinating a campaign to damage her reputation, and the world was divided again. Yes, Blake has been nicknamed “Amber Heard 2”. What now?

Well, after Johnny Depp faced public lawsuits against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, and won one of them, apparently all Hollywood stars want the same victory. Basically, public revenge. Blake’s lawsuit against Justin is very similar to Depp’s story, just as in 2025, we will also see Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie going through the same thing.

Blake’s allegations include inappropriate behavior by Justin on set, such as showing images of naked women, making comments about his sexual conquests, and mentioning a past addiction to pornography. In addition, Lively claims that the director questioned her weight and mentioned sensitive personal subjects, such as the death of her father. Justin Baldoni’s defense denies the allegations, calling them “false and outrageous”. In fact, his defense is the same team as Johnny Depp, to stitch together the whole story.

On social media, the public’s reaction has been mixed. Some users express support for Blake Lively, praising her courage in denouncing the inappropriate behavior. Others, however, question the timing of the accusations, considering that the film was released in August 2024 and was a box office success, grossing $350 million worldwide, and she only went public with the story when her snobbish and arrogant past came to light. And the worst part is that both sides are right. And wrong.

When Blake Lively found herself involuntarily at the center of an intense public debate about her personality, she didn’t understand anything. Literally. She has always acted the same way since the beginning of her career and the adoration was already a habit. However, she – in my opinion – wrongly plays the victim without acknowledging her own mistakes. To make matters worse, she clearly believes that she is being falsely accused of insensitivity due to some action by her enemy, Justin Baldoni.

Let’s get a few things straight: as a matter of principle, I never question an accusation of sexual harassment or misogyny because experience makes me understand that 99% of the cases are true. Yes, I believed in Amber until I didn’t anymore, and today I believe in Blake, but I see the problems separately.

It is a fact, and she cannot deny it, that the film, which is an adaptation of the best-selling book of the same name, deals with issues such as domestic violence, but the fact that the actress wanted to talk more about flowers, rings and cosmetic products in interviews ended up making her the target of severe and surprising criticism. Blake sees that her character is a survivor and her strength does not lie in victimization, but she was definitely not efficient in developing this position. What became apparent was indifference, pedantry, and a lack of intellectual preparation to deal with the subject.

At this point, we already knew that she and Justin hated each other behind the scenes, that they argued, and that she, as a producer, interfered in everything. The atmosphere became so bad that she did not pose for photos with him, they did not give interviews together and Blake did not make the slightest effort to show her contempt for him. The cast’s support for her, however, did not seem genuine, but rather a group of people choosing the most popular one to support them, that is, Regina George from Mean Girls. This perception only worsened when Justin, painfully isolated, said everything right about domestic violence, and was humble and sensitive. Legally guided and malicious action? That’s what Blake alleges in her lawsuit.

This case raises an important question about the responsibility of public figures in driving sensitive narratives. It’s not just about the content of what is said, but how it is presented and received in a world where public opinion often turns complex cases into simplistic moral battles.

Baldoni’s stance and the contrast with Lively

Justin Baldoni was certainly more than aware that his behind-the-scenes behavior would be used against him by Blake, so much so that he hired lawyers six months ago and already has a public history that is favorable to his narrative. From this perspective, it is possible to agree with the actress that there was an intention to harm her, but if she had not been aware or was genuine, she would not have fallen into the trap.

While Justin limited himself to public statements of respect and solidarity with victims of domestic violence, maintaining an image of sensitivity and balance that resonated positively with the public, the contrast with Blake Lively was evident. Not only because of the divergence in their perspectives but also because of the way her approach was perceived. Justin’s stance offered the kind of narrative that the public expects from a man in a prominent position: restrained, empathetic, and focused on broader issues. Blake missed the opportunity to both have come out on top and to have acknowledge her mistake. Apparently, she prefers to accuse him rather than look at herself.

The responsibility of public figures

It is undeniable that the words of a public figure carry special weight. Miscalculated statements can not only harm the perception of their image but also affect larger causes. In this case, Lively seems to have underestimated the impact of her approach in the context of such a sensitive debate.

This does not mean that she should be silenced or that her statements are without merit, but it suggests the need for reflection on the way public figures conduct their narratives, especially on such polarized issues. The criticism here is not in her position, but in how that position was communicated, opening the door to interpretations that divert focus from the central issue.

Beyond polarization: the role of public opinion

The public reaction to Blake Lively can also be read as a reflection of a broader problem. Society often demands that women in controversial situations maintain impeccable posture, or risk being seen as emotionally unbalanced or selfish. This contrasts with the greater tolerance for mistakes by men in similar positions.

At the same time, the tendency to simplify complex cases into narratives of villains and heroes does little to contribute to meaningful debate. Justin Baldoni may have been more strategic in his statements, but is that, in itself, enough to invalidate Blake Lively’s feelings or experience?

Blake is not the sweet person many imagined her to be and has been deliberately rude to journalists and bystanders along the way. This information is relevant when she uses it as a defense being the victim of a smear campaign. Since the case is expected to go to trial, we will see what else comes to light. I am not sympathetic to her, but I am not on anyone’s side.

The case of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni offers an opportunity to reflect on how public figures navigate sensitive issues and how public opinion quickly chooses sides, often without considering nuances. The debate, in the end, transcends those involved and invites us to rethink the way we judge, consume, and perpetuate public narratives. After all, are we really interested in justice, or just in reinforcing our own convictions?

And the sad thing is to think about how Amber Heard symbolizes such a serious fight so negatively. A subject for much reflection yet…

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