Blake Lively Returns to the Public Amid Feud with Justin Baldoni

Kapanlagi.com - The feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has escalated after Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin and his team in December 2024, accusing them of sexual harassment and attempting to damage her reputation during the filming of IT ENDS WITH US. The tension between them was evident during the film's promotion, where they did not greet each other or take photos together on the red carpet in New York for the film's screening.

In the midst of the feud, Blake finally made a public appearance. Blake attended South by Southwest (SXSW) to promote her latest film, ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR, which will be released on the Prime Video digital service in May. The wife of Ryan Reynolds was seen wearing a pink dress and only interacted with journalists and fans regarding her new film. This film marks Blake's first film after IT ENDS WITH US, which was released last August.

Together with the cast of ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR, Anna Kendrick, Michele Morrone, and director Paul Feige, Blake explained that this character has become her favorite character she has ever played, so when she received an offer for a sequel, she immediately accepted. The film tells the story of Emily (Blake Lively) who has just been released from prison and is about to marry an Italian mafia, but approaches Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) at her book launch to ask her to be the maid of honor. Like her first film, this one will also feature surprising scenes.

1. Sequel to the Film 'A Simple Favor'

(credit: youtube.com/@PrimeVideo)

A SIMPLE FAVOR previously aired in 2018, telling the story of a mother who creates a home-style cooking vlog, Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), who meets and becomes involved in the life of Emily (Blake Lively). The light scenes gradually turn into a horrific murder filled with puzzles. However, it is wrapped in a flamboyant housewife style.

This film received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences at the beginning of its release and became increasingly popular among the public. This made Paul Feige interested in creating a sequel to the film. ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR tells the story of Emily who has completed her prison sentence, on her way to Italy to marry a sexy Italian mafia. During her journey, she attends one of Stephanie's book launch events, who has transformed into a true crime author telling the story of the murders committed by Emily. The offer to be maid of honor makes Stephanie anxious and fearful that she will become the next victim. Through the first film, audiences were shocked by Emily's faked death and the murder of her twin sister. ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR will explore the more complicated sibling dynamics.

2. Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni

(credit: TPG Images)

Currently, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are battling it out in court to prove the lawsuits they have filed against each other. This all began with a legal filing made by Blake to the California Department of Civil Rights on December 20, 2024. She accused Justin, his production studio Wayfarer, his business partners, and several publicists of launching a retaliatory smear campaign against her after she complained about sexual harassment on set. Subsequently, The New York Times published a report based on the claims made by Blake and sprinkled with text messages that seemingly showed Justin and his PR team colluding to damage Blake's reputation.

Justin responded by filing a lawsuit against Times for defamation, claiming that Blake's team had fabricated evidence that should have been. A lawsuit worth $400 million against Blake, Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist, Leslie Sloane, was filed in mid-January, accusing them of defamation and extortion. Hours later, Blake officially sued Justin for sexual harassment and retaliation, and he countersued, and now both are locked in a protracted legal battle.

3. Missing From the Public Eye After Filing a Lawsuit

(credit: instagram/blakelively)

Since mid-December 2024, Blake has disappeared from the public eye. The actress, who usually actively shares her activities on Instagram, last posted about her hair beauty product company. The next post was uploaded with restricted comments regarding her latest film ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR. During the film's promotion, Blake chose to take photos with fans rather than hold a Q&A session with journalists.

(kpl/ute)