The behind-the-scenes turmoil surrounding the film It Ends With Us has escalated into a full-blown legal and public relations crisis, now implicating a third key figure. What began as a feud between director Justin Baldoni and star Blake Lively has intensified with new, serious allegations from young co-star Isabela Ferrer, who claims Baldoni attempted to manipulate her involvement in the ongoing lawsuit.

According to a report from Variety on August 20, 2025, Ferrer’s legal team has accused Baldoni of “harassing” the 24-year-old actress. The core of the new allegation centers on Baldoni’s purported attempt to use his financial influence to control how Ferrer responds to a subpoena issued by Blake Lively’s legal counsel in February. Ferrer, who wishes to remain neutral, was forced to retain counsel, and her lawyer, Sanford Michelman, states that instead of simply covering these legal costs as her employer, Baldoni’s team made the financial support conditional on influencing her legal strategy.

This development is a significant twist in the lawsuit Lively filed against Baldoni, which includes claims of sexual harassment and retaliation after she spoke out against him. Lively’s suit contains explosive allegations, including that Baldoni inserted an unapproved scene depicting Young Lily’s loss of virginity and then made the young actors uncomfortable by stating, “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but that was hot.”

The Legal Standoff Over a Subpoena

The conflict pivots on the subpoena served to Ferrer. As a witness with potential evidence, she was drawn into the legal battle between the two Hollywood heavyweights. Her filing, as reported by Variety, claims Baldoni’s legal team did not act in good faith during negotiations to cover her legal expenses. Michelman further alleges that Baldoni’s counsel cited a “fake case,” potentially generated by AI, to justify why the production should have a say in her legal strategy.

In a counter-narrative, Baldoni’s legal representatives have released past text messages from Ferrer in which she praised him as a “great director” and “wonderful to work with.” Their position is that Ferrer’s change in stance is a recent development, coinciding with the public deterioration of Baldoni’s relationship with Lively during the film’s promotional tour. Despite this, Ferrer’s legal filing asks the court to “deny the Motion in its entirety and impose appropriate sanctions against Baldoni.”

This situation highlights a troubling power dynamic often seen in Hollywood, where emerging actors can feel pressured by influential producers and directors. Ferrer’s decision to formally challenge Baldoni’s actions signals a growing willingness among performers to contest what they perceive as coercion, even when facing powerful industry figures.

The Ripple Effect On and Off Screen

The continuous stream of allegations has irrevocably tarnished the legacy of It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The project, initially anticipated as a major cinematic event, is now synonymous with off-screen controversy. The saga has evolved from a private dispute into a public spectacle that examines accountability, power structures, and ethical conduct in film production.

For the industry at large, the case serves as a stark reminder that the post-#MeToo era is still unfolding. It underscores the necessity for clear, impartial protocols to handle disputes and protect all parties involved, especially less-established actors like Ferrer who can be caught in the crossfire of larger conflicts.

The unfolding legal drama surrounding the Justin Baldoni harassment allegations, now amplified by Isabela Ferrer’s claims, reveals a deep and complex conflict that extends far beyond a simple creative disagreement. It strikes at the heart of power, accountability, and safety in the entertainment industry. As the court proceedings continue, the outcome will be closely watched for its potential to set a new precedent for how such fraught allegations are handled behind the glamour of Hollywood.

Must Know

What are Isabela Ferrer’s specific allegations against Justin Baldoni?
Isabela Ferrer, through her lawyer, alleges that Justin Baldoni harassed her and attempted to coercively control her legal response to a subpoena from Blake Lively. She claims his team tried to make financial support for her legal fees conditional on influencing her strategy in the case.

How has Justin Baldoni responded to these new claims?
Baldoni’s legal team has pushed back against the allegations. They have released previous text messages from Ferrer where she complimented his directing, suggesting her current claims are a recent invention influenced by the public feud between Baldoni and Lively.

What is Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni about?
Blake Lively is suing Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation. Her lawsuit includes allegations that he sabotaged the film’s promotion and created a hostile on-set environment, including making an inappropriate comment to young actors during a sensitive scene.

What is the “fake case” mentioned in Ferrer’s filing?
According to Ferrer’s lawyer, Sanford Michelman, Baldoni’s legal team referenced a legal case that Michelman believes does not exist, potentially being generated by artificial intelligence (AI), to bolster their argument for why they should influence Ferrer’s legal stance.

How does this affect the movie It Ends With Us?
The relentless off-screen controversies have severely overshadowed the film itself. The public discourse is now dominated by the legal battles and allegations of misconduct rather than the cinematic merits of the adaptation, damaging its reputation and legacy.

What happens next in this legal case?
The court will need to address the motions filed, including Ferrer’s request for sanctions against Baldoni. The discovery process for Lively’s main lawsuit will also continue, likely involving depositions and the collection of evidence, including from subpoenaed witnesses like Ferrer.