Colleen Hoover steps away from instagram amid Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni controversy

Bestselling author Colleen Hoover has quietly deactivated her Instagram account as tensions rise between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the lead stars of the film adaptation of her 2016 novel, 'It Ends With Us'. The legal battle began when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the movie set, followed by a countersuit from Baldoni.

Lively, who played the protagonist Lily Bloom in the movie, alleged that Baldoni created a hostile working environment during filming. According to her complaint, Baldoni entered her trailer uninvited while she was breastfeeding, added intimate scenes to the script without her approval, and led a smear campaign against her. In December, Lively’s claims were followed by a detailed exposé published by The New York Times, which sparked heated debates.

Colleen Hoover had previously expressed her support for Lively on Instagram. Shortly after Lively’s allegations surfaced, Hoover shared a heartfelt post praising the actress, calling her “honest, kind, supportive, and patient.” However, as the controversy escalated, Hoover chose to deactivate her account, leaving fans speculating about her silence.

'It Ends With Us', directed by Baldoni, was released in theaters in August 2024 and tells the story of Lily Bloom’s struggle in an abusive relationship. While the movie initially garnered attention for its powerful narrative, the ongoing legal drama between the lead actors has overshadowed its success.

Reports suggest that Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, are now seeking a court order to prevent Baldoni’s lawyer from making public statements about the case. Lively’s legal team argues that the lawyer’s comments are damaging their reputation, especially after footage from the movie set was released to defend Baldoni. Lively’s team claims the footage is misleading and was selectively shared to paint a false narrative. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s representatives insist that the gag order is unfair, as he wants to release evidence to clear his name.

The ongoing legal battle has left fans divided, with many eagerly awaiting updates on the case.