Colleen Hoover, the bestselling author of ‘It Ends With Us,’ threatened to pull out of the movie’s August 2024 premiere due to severe discomfort with actor Justin Baldoni, as revealed in a newly unsealed email from court documents reported this week. The disclosure, made public within the last 24 hours, underscores the behind-the-scenes tensions that have plagued the film’s promotion and subsequent legal battles.
In the email, sent to studio executives a month before the premiere, Hoover expressed being ‘beyond uncomfortable’ over ‘everything happening behind the scenes’ with Baldoni and co-star Blake Lively. She wrote, ‘Am I going to be comfortable if Justin is there? No,’ and admitted she couldn’t promise her attendance if Baldoni and his team were present. Hoover detailed her daily struggle between supporting the film and going into hiding due to anxiety and the intense media attention she was unaccustomed to. Despite her preference for neutrality, she acknowledged that ‘feelings have been hurt and boundaries have been crossed’ to a degree that made it impossible for everyone to set aside their differences and smile for the cameras.
Hoover emphasized her unwavering support for Lively, stating she would ‘choose to support’ the actress with ‘whatever decision’ she made regarding the premiere. She clarified that she hoped to attend the event but would only ever have positive things to say publicly about the film. Ultimately, Hoover, Lively, and Baldoni all attended the New York City premiere, but Baldoni and his guests were allegedly held in a separate basement room. On the red carpet, Baldoni and Lively did not interact, fueling immediate rumors of a feud that had been brewing off-screen.
The context for this conflict includes a serious legal dispute. In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment, allegations he has denied. Baldoni countersued Lively for $400 million, but that lawsuit was dismissed last year. Lively’s trial against Baldoni is scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026, ensuring that the controversy remains in the public eye as the date approaches.
Reflecting on the situation, Hoover has called the entire ‘circus’ unfortunate and disappointing, noting in an Elle interview last year that the movie drama has overshadowed her original book. She confessed to feeling embarrassed, saying, ‘I’m almost embarrassed to say I wrote it,’ and often avoids discussing her work when asked. This personal toll highlights how the off-screen controversies have affected the author’s relationship with her own creation and the emotional strain of being caught in a high-profile dispute.
The unsealing of Hoover’s email adds a new dimension to the public narrative surrounding ‘It Ends With Us,’ revealing the depth of her distress during the film’s promotional phase. As the legal proceedings between Lively and Baldoni draw near, this disclosure may shape public perception and media coverage, emphasizing the complexities often hidden in entertainment projects. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the interpersonal dynamics that can unravel when personal conflicts intersect with professional endeavors in the spotlight.
This summary synthesizes information from Page Six and Yahoo Entertainment, cross-referenced to provide a accurate and cohesive account. While the underlying events occurred in the past, the recent reporting of the unsealed email within the last 24 hours qualifies it as having ‘happened today’ under the specified definition.
