Blake Lively’s Hollywood Circle Crumbles Amid Explosive Fallout
Blake Lively has remained largely out of the public eye as her legal dispute with Justin Baldoni unfolds, accusing him of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. However, it seems the once-strong support network surrounding the actress is beginning to unravel.
Reports suggest that Lively leveraged her close friendship with Taylor Swift to push for script changes in It Ends With Us, referring to the singer and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as her “dragons.” While Lively initially had the backing of the book’s author, Colleen Hoover, and a handful of close allies, new developments indicate that many of them are now keeping their distance.
A Shift in Support
Lively’s fallout with some of her closest connections became increasingly apparent when she was noticeably absent from Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl suite—a stark contrast to their public appearances together in the past. Adding to the tension, Hoover has wiped all traces of Lively from her social media, while Lively’s former Gossip Girl co-star and ex-boyfriend, Penn Badgley, has reportedly developed a friendly relationship with Baldoni.
Ryan Reynolds: A Steadfast Supporter
Despite the mounting controversy, Ryan Reynolds has remained unwavering in his support for his wife. The Hollywood power couple, married since 2012 and parents to four children, have been navigating this crisis together.
A source told People, “Ryan is always her rock. They have such a special relationship. He’s very proud of her in so many ways.”
During the promotion of It Ends With Us, Lively was rarely seen with Baldoni, instead leaning on Reynolds and their mutual friend Hugh Jackman. It was also reported that Reynolds blocked Baldoni on Instagram months before Lively filed her lawsuit.
However, Reynolds’ involvement in the legal battle took a direct turn when Baldoni countersued him as well. One of the most explosive claims from Baldoni’s lawsuit alleges that Reynolds confronted him during filming after an incident where Lively felt “fat-shamed.” According to Baldoni, Reynolds lashed out, saying, “How dare you f***ing ask about my wife’s weight? What’s wrong with you?”
Following this altercation, Lively left the set, later returning under a list of strict conditions. A meeting was subsequently held at the couple’s New York penthouse, where Reynolds acted as Lively’s “representative.” Baldoni claims the meeting escalated into an “aggressive tirade” from Reynolds as he and Lively detailed their grievances.
Support from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Cast
Despite losing some allies, Lively has retained the support of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Alexis Bledel. The trio released a statement defending Lively, stating:
“As Blake’s friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation.”
They condemned Baldoni’s alleged attempt to silence Lively while using domestic violence survivors’ stories as leverage, calling it “astounding hypocrisy.”
Amber Heard and Michele Morrone Speak Out
Amber Heard, no stranger to high-profile legal disputes, has also voiced her support for Lively. Drawing parallels to her own experiences, Heard criticized social media’s role in distorting narratives, stating:
“Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying, ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’”
Additionally, Italian actor Michele Morrone publicly backed Lively, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post alongside a picture of himself with Lively and Reynolds. In December, he posted a video defending her, saying:
“Blake was in pain. And I’m really tired of seeing cruel and bad comments about her without knowing the situation.”
Taylor Swift: Distance and Discontent
Lively and Swift have been friends for over a decade, often appearing together at public events. However, tensions arose when Baldoni alleged that Lively used a “high-profile friend” to intimidate him during a script-related meeting—an individual widely speculated to be Swift.
While Swift has not made any direct statements regarding the lawsuit, sources claim she was “blindsided” by Lively’s decision to involve her. The singer reportedly “resents” being referred to as one of Lively’s “dragons” and believes her name was “inappropriately leveraged” in the dispute.
A source told The Daily Mail, “Taylor had no idea Justin would be there when she visited Blake’s apartment. She was introduced to him for the first and only time before he left.”
Adding to the strain, Lively was left off Swift’s Super Bowl guest list, a move that many interpreted as a deliberate distancing from the controversy.
A Public Image at Risk
As the legal drama continues, Lively’s once-pristine public image is facing challenges. Critics have resurfaced past interactions, such as an awkward 2016 interview in which Lively gave a sarcastic response when congratulated on her pregnancy. Journalist Kjersti Flaa later expressed feeling “paralyzed” by Lively’s reaction and has since been spotted selling pro-Baldoni merchandise online.
With friends and former allies reevaluating their positions, Lively’s legal battle is proving to be more than just a courtroom showdown—it’s reshaping her standing in Hollywood. While Reynolds and her Sisterhood co-stars remain firmly in her corner, the shifting tides raise questions about the long-term impact of the dispute on her career and personal relationships.
As the situation unfolds, one thing remains clear: the battle is far from over.
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