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Colleen Hoover, the author of the novel It Ends With Us, which was adapted into a 2024 film, expressed great pride in the film's success despite the ongoing legal conflict between its stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. She made these remarks during an appearance on the Open Book podcast with Jenna Bush Hager to promote her new film, Reminders of Him.
This statement comes after Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliation, and creating a hostile work environment. Baldoni denied the allegations and in turn filed a defamation suit against The New York Times, which published Lively's complaint. The legal battle between the two continues in court, with the trial scheduled for May 18.
Success of the Film Despite the Controversy
Hoover said on the episode, "It was difficult at first, but it has become easier to separate the film's success from the legal controversy. We were all surprised by the number of readers who showed up on opening weekend and how engaged they were with the film. I am very proud of this work, and I think the actors and director did a fantastic job, so I have to view everything separately from the film and the novel."
She added that the situation is "unfortunate" but expressed gratitude that the work was brought to life on screen.
The Impact of the Dispute on the Author
Last November, Hoover told Elle magazine that she felt the lawsuit overshadowed the film, saying, "I feel like the case has cast a shadow over the work, and I feel embarrassed when people ask me about what I wrote, so I just say Iām a writer and avoid discussing my work."
It is worth noting that the film It Ends With Us achieved notable box office success upon its release, reflecting the audience's engagement with its sensitive subject matter despite the disputes between its leading stars.
This news has been re-edited based on a report published by hollywoodreporter.com, while maintaining the core facts presented in the original source.
