It’s like trying to untangle a messy knot—this ongoing drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. What started as a romantic on-screen chemistry between their characters in It Ends with Us has now snowballed into a real-life dispute involving accusations, lawsuits, and a whole lot of finger-pointing.
With Lively accusing Baldoni of harassment, including this very moment where he allegedly leaned in and whispered about her scent, the debate went from personal discomfort to a public showdown. But fans aren’t just standing by, they’re hitting back with a surprising counter: evidence straight from the book that inspired the film, where Baldoni’s character, Ryle, says the very same words: “You smell so good.”
So, was it really out of character, or is there more to this tangled web than meets the eye?
Blake Lively’s lawsuit vs. Justin Baldoni’s defense
Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni paints a picture of discomfort that goes far beyond what’s seen in the footage. According to her legal team, Baldoni’s actions weren’t just unprofessional; they were invasive and crossed a line.
Lively described a slow-dance scene where Baldoni, in character as Ryle, allegedly violated her space by saying, “It smells so good,” while kissing her neck (via Independent).
Ryan Reynolds’ wife claims this was unsolicited, unprofessional, and far from necessary for the role. In response, Baldoni’s team released unedited footage, trying to show that their interaction was just part of the character’s chemistry—professional and fitting for the scene. However, Lively’s camp is standing firm, labeling the footage a “stunt” to shift the public narrative.
Fans weigh in: The book’s evidence and what it means
Here’s where things get interesting. One fan of the book, It Ends with Us, has thrown a curveball by pointing to the source material itself. They’re backing Justin Baldoni by citing the exact dialogue from the book where Ryle tells Lily, “You smell so good.” For them, this line is part of the deeply romantic connection between the characters, and in their eyes, it makes Baldoni’s comment on the set more understandable.
Today’s tea 🫖 is ….. Blake really should have read the book https://t.co/WQmAJ2td3P pic.twitter.com/VmUyiIRrKh
— CitizenJournalist (@CJournalist24) March 9, 2025
So, does this ‘proof’ shift the blame, or is it just another layer of confusion in an already murky situation?
As the controversy surrounding Baldoni continues to unfold, a growing chorus of supporters is stepping up to defend the actor, claiming that the accusations against him are nothing more than a smear campaign. Fans are rallying to his side, unwilling to buy into the narrative that he’s a perpetrator of toxic behavior. One particularly vocal supporter slammed the idea that Baldoni embodies “toxic positivity”.
🚨 Proof That Justin Baldoni Does NOT Display Toxic Positivity
The LA Times hit piece and The Hollywood Reporter article tried to make you believe that Justin Baldoni displays toxic positivity, when in fact, it’s Hollywood and celebrities like Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds who… pic.twitter.com/yVg72dGwLF
— The Spiritual Shift (@spiritualshift_) March 7, 2025
To substantiate their claim, this fan pointed to an appearance Baldoni made on The Tamron Hall Show, where he, alongside his father, shared a raw and candid conversation about the weight of unrealistic expectations placed on men.
Well, as the case continues to unfold, the real question seems to be: Where does truth lie, and who controls the narrative?
Meanwhile, the public continues to dissect these claims, as every new detail and counterclaim only adds fuel to the fire. Neither side is backing down anytime soon. And so, we watch, as each move seems to push the truth further out of reach.
It Ends with Us is streaming on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
