13 Reasons Why Is Facing Serious Backlash from Viewers AND Suicide Prevention Groups

Desiree O
Apr 19, 2017

There are plenty of reasons why fans are freaking out over 13 Reasons Why. But the series — which deals with suicide, sexual assault, and bullying, among other serious issues — is in fact so intense, the cast needed therapy dogs on set. And despite claims that the story is meant as a warning (even containing one detail that might give you hope), it’s now facing backlash from viewers AND suicide prevention groups.

Focusing on high school student Hannah Baker’s death, some groups are voicing their concerns that the show actually glamorizes and even romanticizes suicide, yet doesn’t offer ways or resources to cope with suicidal thoughts.

There are even claims that the show’s writers and producers were warned about certain aspects of the story by experts, yet chose to ignore the warnings and include the things they were warned about in the series anyway. For example, plenty of people are wondering if it was necessary to actually have a graphic scene with Hannah’s death. Though it could be argued that it shows suicide in a raw sense (not shying away from the heartbreaking reality) which may dissuade some folks thinking about it, does it go too far?

Frankly, it looks like our readers are just as worried about the results the show could have. When we posted about therapy dogs visiting the cast on set to help them deal with the triggering scenes they were taking on, FB comments made it clear that viewers are concerned about the show’s effects not only on the actors, but also on any viewer who’s feeling vulnerable or suicidal.

Perhaps this should be a lesson for those behind the scenes: Listen to the experts. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Remember, if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

(h/t E!; photos via Mike Coppola/Getty, Netflix)

8 Amazing Titles Leaving Netflix Next Week

Netflix has some truly incredible movies and TV shows right now (and considering Stranger Things 5 is coming later this year, it's only going to get better). But the end of another month means a whole new slew of titles leaving the streamer, which means this is your last week to watch these amazing series before they find another home.

Here are 8 titles leaving Netflix in March 2025, meaning this is your last week to watch them!

1.​The Mindy Project — Leaving Netflix March 1, 2025

Fox

This FOX comedy follows Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling), an OBGYN who's doing her best to figure out a work life balance. There's romance, there's comedy, there's chaos. I wouldn't expect anything else from Mindy! And I love that the character was inspired by her own mom.

The Mindy Project stars Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, Ed Weeks, Anna Camp, Zoe Jarman, Amanda Setton, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ike Barinholtz, Beth Grant, Xosha Roquemore, Adam Pally, Garret Dillahunt, Fortune Feimster, and Rebecca Rittenhouse.

2. ​Inception — Leaving Netflix March 1, 2025

Warner Bros. Pictures

If you want to go on a mind-bending adventure, then opt for this Christopher Nolan sci-fi heist. The movie follows a thief who uses technology to invade people's dreams and take information...if disaster doesn't derail him first.

Inception stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Dileep Rao, and Michael Caine.

3. ​Sixteen Candles — Leaving Netflix March 1, 2025

Universal Pictures

In this John Hughes movie, everyone's forgotten Samantha's sixteenth birthday...and that's not the kind of surprise she was hoping for. This movie is an 80s icon, but unfortunately there is plenty that hasn't aged well.

Sixteen Candles stars Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, and Anthony Michael Hall.

4. Scooby-Doo — Leaving Netflix March 1, 2025

Warner Bros. Pictures

Set out on an adventure with Shaggy, Scooby, Daphne, Velma, and Fred when a string of mysterious events bring them all to an island resort. But no, this isn't my idea of a vacation.

Scooby-Doo stars Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and Rowan Atkinson.

5. Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed — Leaving Netflix March 1, 2025

Warner Bros. Pictures

And once you finish the first installment, hop over to the sequel, which finds Mystery Inc. protecting Coolsville from a masked someone using all the monsters they've already defeated.

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed stars Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and Rowan Atkinson.

6. ​Aloha — Leaving Netflix March 1, 2025

Sony Pictures Releasing

This movie follows a military contractor torn between a past love and an unexpected new connection. I don't know much about this movie, except for the fact it's been endlessly roasted for casting Emma Stone in a role that's supposed to be part native Hawaiian. Yikes.

Aloha stars Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, John Krasinski, Danny McBride, and Alec Baldwin.

7. ​Over The Hedge — Leaving Netflix March 1, 2025

Paramount Pictures

Revisit your childhood by streaming Over The Hedge, which is about RJ the raccoon, who gets a group of woodland creatures to steal food from the neighborhood to pay back a debt. They don't make movies like this anymore!

Over The Hedge stars Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes and Nick Nolte.

8. Love Again — Leaving Netflix March 2, 2025

Sony Pictures Releasing

Mira is still healing from the death of her fiancé when she realizes his old phone number has been reassigned...and she starts to form a connection with the person on the other end. Oh, Celine Dion is there too. Watch our interview with the cast!

Love Again stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Heughan, and Celine Dion.

Don't worry TV fans! Here are The Best New TV Shows That Dropped On Netflix In February.

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4 Easy Organizing Tips To Make Your Home Look Super Tidy

Now that we're nearing the end of winter, it'll soon be time for spring cleaning. But in addition to just breaking out your duster, wiping down your baseboards, or finally tackling that soap scum in your shower, why not organize as well?

Think about it: as you go about your spring cleaning checklist this year, you're probably going to move from one room to another. While you're already getting down and dirty, it can be super helpful to streamline each area of your home.

Not only will you feel fully refreshed (and not like you're simply straightening up clutter), but you'll also make your life easier for all those "Sunday resets" to come this year.

So, whether you choose to start in your bedroom or kitchen, here are our top organizing tips for organizing every room of your house.

Scroll to find out how to best organize every room in your house!

1. Entryway

Max Vakhtbovycn

From work commutes to errand runs, you're probably on the go a lot. Why waste time getting out the door by dealing with a disorganized entryway every single day?

Think of your front door as a "launching pad." In other words, whatever you need to help make leaving and arriving home easier should be right there for simple access.

If you have a closet to work with, that's great. Otherwise, cubbies or even a utility shelf will work. Make sure your most used shoes, coats, and other accessories are neatly stacked, hung, or put away. You can take those heels you only wear for date nights or random extra scarves back to your bedroom.

Then, set up a space for your personal items, like your purse, keys, sunglasses, and any mail you grab on the way in. You'll know exactly where they are the next time you're running late, and you can add personal touches like greenery or artwork to make your launch pad more aesthetically pleasing.

2. Living Room

Martin Lang

Next up is the living room, where you probably spent the bulk of your time with family and friends. This fact means it tends to naturally become the most cluttered room in everyone's home.

If you feel like you're lacking storage, don't forget to utilize vertical space. You can install shelving, for instance, or buy tall open-shelving cabinets that look like built-ins.

Either way, by adding decor pieces, books, or other commonly used items, like speakers and games, you'll infuse the room with more character and dimension while saving floor space.

Don't underestimate the functionality of baskets, either. They're great for holding everything from pet toys to blankets and even magazines or photo albums.

Plus, if you have kids and constantly feel inundated by their toys, say goodbye to the typical storage container solution. Even though it may work for some parents, these containers are still an eyesore and never really leave your line of sight in the living room.

Instead, you can transform an old or thrifted dresser into a toy storage area. Select one that matches your interior design style to keep your space looking clean and uncluttered while allowing your kids to easily grab whatever they want to play with.

3. Bedroom & Closet

Shared or not, the bedroom has a way of collecting clutter like nobody's business. That's why we have to get creative to save space and make our lives easier.

One of the most overlooked areas is right under your bed. You can store anything from hobby items, like art supplies, to seasonal clothing and less frequently worn shoes.

Search for storage containers with wheels under the bed. Or, if your bedframe needs an upgrade, look for one that has drawers!

Anastasia Shuraeva

Then, in your closet, make sure your clothing and accessories are arranged in a way that makes sense.

For example, if you work a corporate job, group all of your business attire, like slacks, blazers, and loafers, in one section to quickly get dressed and go in the morning. The same goes for casual wear, workout attire, and evening wear or pajamas.

Finally, if you have shelving, add labeled bins to store clunkier garments like sweaters and sweatshirts. Any remaining room can be used to hold extra clutter that you clear off horizontal surfaces, like your desk, vanity, or dresser, to make your bedroom feel more light.

4. Bathroom

Kaboompics.com

Last but not least is the dreaded bathroom. This room of the house can become a dumping ground for all sorts of products and beauty tools.

Just like in your living room, you should use any empty wall space to your advantage. Hang up hooks to hold your towels and clothing while you bathe, or use an over-the-door organizer to give your extra towels and robes a home.

Also, if you live with multiple people, it can be helpful to give each family member their own designated cabinet. This will keep everyone's products separate and prevent any from becoming a "junk drawer."

Last but not least, our top tip for keeping your bathroom fresh and organized is to get rid of your personal items on a regular basis. Stop holding onto that old tube of toothpaste that's practically flat or accumulating multiple bottles of face wash.

Rather, go through your products once a month to purge anything that's expired or no longer used. This simple act alone will make a real difference.

Looking for more home & organization tips? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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The Shocking First Look At 'Wuthering Heights' Is SO 'Saltburn' Coded

Audiences loved the way Greta Gerwig's Little Women brought all four March sisters to life, and Netflix's Anne with an E became so popular that when the show was canceled after season 3, 1.7 million fans signed a petition to revive the series. It all just proves that classic adaptations can make the original story even more powerful.

And the newest movie based on a book is going to be one we think about forever — and not just because of its cast. Emerald Fennell (who you'll recognize from The Crown and her work as writer & director on Satburn) is adapting Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are leading the cast!

The book, published in 1847, continues to grip readers, and it's become the blueprint for moody complexity — just like Emerald Fennell's Promising Young Woman, which won the Oscar for Best Screenplay thanks to its scathing look at sexual assault. Well, the Em's are coming together for this new adaptation.

Here's everything we know about Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights — and your first look at the movie.

Here's Your First Look At 'Wuthering Heights'

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A post shared by Wuthering Heights Movie (@wutheringheightsmovie)

The first look at Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights is getting some seriously mixed reactions. The photo features a close-up image of someone (maybe Margot Robbie's) with their fingers and a few blades of grass in their mouth.

"CAN NOT WAIT," one Instagram user said, along with a couple fire emojis. But the intimate (and somewhat shocking) image also has some users asking, "what in the saltburn?"

Is Wuthering Heights going to be in theaters?

Focus Features

It appears director Emerald Fennell and producer Margot Robbie are pushing for a theatrical release, which is why they've reportedly turned down a Netflix offer of $150 million.

Despite the fact Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said theatrical releases are "just not our business," and the company has stuck to at-home streaming instead, they did break that pattern for Knives Out: Glass Onion in 2022. The movie appeared in around 600 theaters the day before Thanksgiving, but left a week later ahead of its December 23 debut on the streamer.

Co-CEO Reed Hastings told The Hollywood Reporter that keeping the movie in theaters could have made Netflix more money, but later said they just wanted to "break through the noise" and get movie lovers excited for the film to come to Netflix.

All that to be said, Margot Robbie (whose Barbie made over $1 billion worldwide) and Emerald Fennell (whose Promising Young Woman nabbed her an Oscar win and two other nominations) know how to capture the imaginations of movie lovers everywhere. And it could definitely be in their favor to stick to a theatrical release. Stay tuned for official news on where you can watch Wuthering Heights!

Who's in the new Wuthering Heights movie?

Frazer Harrison/Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Wuthering Heights Cast

The Wuthering Heights movie will be led by Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, respectively. Margot will also produce with her production company LuckyChap, which worked behind the scenes on Emerald Fennell's Saltburn and Promising Young Woman.

While some fans were initially excited about the casting, others were concerned about the fact that in the book, Heathcliff is described as "dark skinned." He also tells Nelly that, "I wish I had light hair and a fair skin, and was dressed, and behaved as well, and had a chance of being as rich as he will be!" Um, it looks like Jacob Elordi definitely has fair skin to me.

"Heathcliff is described as a dark-skinned brown man in the book and a major plot point is that he was subjected to racist abuse by his adopted family," one tweet (which has over 8 million views) says. "But yeah sure Jacob Elordi is perfect!"

Another says, "Film studios will say 'We are committed to diverse casting' and then cast Jacob Elordi to play Heathcliff, one of the more famous people of color in literature, whose race is crucial to both his character and the story."

Check back here to see who will play characters like Edgar Linton, Nelly Dean, Isabella Linton, and Lockwood.

When is Wuthering Heights coming out?

Warner Bros. Pictures

Wuthering Heights Release Date

Wuthering Heights will premiere on February 14, 2026. Happy Valentine's Day!

What is Wuthering Heights about?

Amazon

Wuthering Heights Plot

Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights follows the Earnshaws and the Lintons, who are living in the Yorkshire Moors in the 1880s. Their lives change forever when the Earnshaws take in Heathcliff. Like any good dramatic novel, passion lies beneath proper connections, marriages, and societal expectations — and despite Catherine and Heathcliffe's feelings for each other, they have to choose between security and love.

Check out 16 New Movies Based On Books To Add To Your Watchlist to inspire your next movie night!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Every Character Returning For 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3

Cousins Beach — and The Summer I Turned Pretty in general — simply wouldn't be the same without Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. And I can't wait to see them reunite when the show finally returns for season 3 this year...especially since we're getting three extra episodes! Let's break down the cast we can expect to see this season.

Here's every character returning for The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 on Prime Video.

1. Lola Tung as Belly Conklin

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Lola Tung leads the cast as Belly Conklin, who finds herself torn between brothers Conrad and Jeremiah. Lola told us about returning as Belly for season 3during her run in Hadestown!

2. Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher

Erika Doss/Prime Video

We'll also see Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney), who's sporting a new blond 'do. We know at the end of season 2, Conrad was a little heartbroken to see Belly and Jere together, and, honestly, same. #TeamConrad.

3. Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher

Prime Video

And this love triangle wouldn't be complete without Jeremiah Fisher, played by Gavin Casalegno. He finally got the girl but something tells me this relationship won't be smooth sailing.

4. Rain Spencer as Taylor Jewel

Prime Video

Taylor!! I truly believe Tay (Rain Spencer) would fight someone for Belly, and isn't that the kind of BFF we all deserve?

5. Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin

Prime Video

Siri play "Hey Stephen" by Taylor Swift, because we're going to see Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin. As much as I love Belly and Conrad, Steven and Taylor might be my favorite couple on the show.

6. Jackie Chung as Laurel Park

Prime Video

There's a very good chance we'll also see Jackie Chung return for The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 as Laurel Park.

7. Rachel Blanchard as Susannah Fisher

Dana Hawley/Prime Video

Ok so The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 opened with the news that Susannah (Rachel Blanchard) had passed away, but I have all my fingers and toes crossed she'll appear in some flashbacks.

8. Elsie Fisher as Skye

Prime Video

We also might see Elsie Fisher come back as Conrad and Jere's cousin Skye (although we do know that her onscreen mom Kyra Sedgwick won't return). Stay tuned to find out the full cast list!

Read up on 5 Details From The Summer I Turned Pretty Ending That Reveal Who Belly Ends Up With In Season 3 before new episodes drop, and see if This Surprising Leak From Season 3 shocks you as much as it shocked me!

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Here's The Latest Update In The Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni Legal Battle

It Ends With Us fans probably all remember where they were when news broke that Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively's rumored feud from the movie set had evolved into a full-on legal battle. While the movie released in August 2024, news continues to release in 2025 about their ongoing lawsuits.

Here's the full timeline of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal battle surrounding It Ends With Us.

A Definitive Timeline of The Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Feud

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

August 6, 2024 — The It Ends With Us New York premiere

Fans first noticed something was off between the It Ends With Us cast (specifically Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni) when they realized Blake Lively, Brandon Skelnar, Jenny Slate, and Colleen Hoover don't follow Justin on Instagram. And when Justin didn't take any photos with the cast and his onscreen sister Jenny dodged a question about him? It only added fuel to the fire.

In a 2025 lawsuit (more on that later), Justin claimed that Blake “initially refused to permit his attendance.”

“The Wayfarer team and their families, including Baldoni and [producer Jamey] Heath, were segregated from the main cast, barred from the exclusive after-party, and forced to organize their own event at additional cost,” the lawsuit says. “Baldoni’s participation on the red carpet was cut short, and his family and friends were confined to a makeshift holding area in the basement before being escorted into a separate theater after Lively’s departure.”

Sony Pictures

August 8, 2024 — Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's film publicity starts to clash

The divide between Blake and Justin only appeared deeper when Blake started promoting the movie like a lighthearted rom-com, telling viewers to "grab your friends and wear your florals," while fans thought Justin took the movie's message of domestic violence awareness more seriously.

"This is a night for all the women who we made this movie for," he told ET during the premiere. "If a Lily Bloom in real life can sit in this theater and maybe make a different choice for herself than was made for her, maybe she sees herself on that screen and chooses something different for herself, that's why I made the movie."

The Hollywood Reporteralso revealed there might have been two different cuts of the movie, citing creative differences between Justin and Blake, while sources told Page Six Sony Pictures went with the "more feminine cut."

Sony Pictures Releasing

August 9, 2024 — Sources say Justin Baldoni was "borderline abusive" during filming

After THR suggested there were creative differences, source straight-up told The Daily Mail that Justin was "chauvinistic" and "borderline abusive" while the cast was filming.

Meanwhile, an It Ends With Us on-set source told Page Six that "the tension was so obvious.”

“Once [Blake] was done with the scene she was really impatient, said, ‘Am I done? Can I go?,’ and as soon as they said ‘yes,’ there was like a Blake-size hole in the wall...She was so outta there."

Blake Lively/Instagram

August 13, 2024 — Blake Lively shares domestic violence resources to Instagram

Blake Lively ended up sharing resources on August 13, offering ways her followers could get "immediate help."

"1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the US alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime," she says in the Instagram story. "Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.

Sony Pictures Releasing

August 14, 2024 — TMZ reports that Blake Lively felt "fat-shamed"

By the middle of August, rumors were circulating that Justin Baldoni made Blake Lively feel uncomfortable in her postpartum body (she gave birth to baby Olin in February 2023; the movie started filming in May 2023), and that he asked an on-set trainer for her weight before he had to pick her up for a scene (although, Justin reportedly has back problems and didn't want to injure himself). Blake also reportedly felt like the actor & director lingered too long during a kissing scene.

Justin Baldoni later claimed Ryan Reynolds responded so "aggressively" that Justin "felt compelled to offer repeated apologies.”

Sony Pictures Releasing

August 20, 2024 — Brandon Sklenar breaks his silence on the It Ends With Us drama

Brandon Sklenar posted a statement to Instagram at the end of August, saying "Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves."

"What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film," he continues. "There isn't a single person involved in the making of this film that was not aware of the responsibility we had in making this...All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it is helping."

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

September 10, 2024 — Blake Lively was "Surprised" at the It Ends With Us drama

After the internet seemingly turned on her overnight ahead of the movie's release, a source told Peoplethat Blake Lively was "pretty surprised at the backlash and drama," which "felt out of control to her."

"She initially felt very vulnerable and upset," the source continued. "During the promotion of the movie, not one day went by when she was not in the news in an unfavorable light. She's just not used to this kind of drama."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 4, 2024 — Justin Baldoni reveals he had a "near breakdown" after filming with Blake Lively

In an interview with the How to Fail podcast, Justin revealed just how difficult it was to decompress after playing a character like Ryle. "That was very hard and honestly, that took a few months," he says. "I had dreams as him for a while, and it lived in my body, but I think for the most part, he's out."

"I've done a lot of somatic therapy so there were times when I was actually just shaking," he continues. "There's a moment in the movie where Ryle finds Lily's phone and he finds a phone number and he's very jealous and he's heartbroken and he's angry and he doesn't harm her but you can see in his eyes how dangerous he is. After that scene, I had a near breakdown."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 21, 2024 — Blake Lively alleges Justin Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign in the New York Times

Blake Lively sent the internet into a tailspin when she published messages between Justin Baldoni, publicists, and legal team members in the New York Times, reporting they were behind a smear campaign against her.

Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman told People the claims are "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt," to which Blake's legal team held firm that "this is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation."

“Wayfarer [Studios] and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set," the statement continues. “Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry. A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct."

An insider told People that Blake "still believes she's doing the right thing. She's ready to tackle whatever comes her way."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 21, 2024 — Justin Baldoni is dropped by his agency

After Blake's accusations were published, Justin was then dropped by his agency, WME.

Shortly after, Liz Plank, a cohost on Justin's podcast Man Enough, left the show.

Cindy Ord & Lia Toby/Getty Images

December 23, 2024 — Brandon Sklenar shows support for Blake Lively

After Blake Lively's NYT piece went live, Brandon shared a screenshot to his Instagram story, writing "For the love of god read this" as the article link text.

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

December 23, 2024 — Blake Lively's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars speak out

Blake's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, and Amber Tamblyn, also showed support for the actress and posted a joint statement.

"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," the statement reads. "Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice."

"Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding," they continue. "We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can still face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe work environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 24, 2024 — Justin Baldoni's former publicist sues him

Ahead of the Christmas holiday, Stephanie Jones, Justin's former publicist, sued him, claiming that Justin, Jennifer Abel, and Melissa Nathan really did orchestrate a smear campaign without her knowing about it.

"Defendants Abel and Nathan secretly conspired for months to publicly and privately attack Jones and Jonesworks, to breach multiple contracts and induce contractual breaches, and to steal clients and business prospects," Stephanie's complaint read. "Behind Jones' back, they secretly coordinated with Baldoni and Wayfarer to implement an aggressive media smear campaign against Baldoni's film costar, and then used the crisis as an opportunity to drive a wedge between Jones and Baldoni, and to publicly pin blame for this smear campaign on Jones — when Jones had no knowledge or involvement in it."

Sony Pictures Releasing

January 7, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's lawyer responds to the NYT piece

After the new year, Bryan Freedman, Justin Baldoni's lawyer, told People, "It is painfully ironic that Blake Lively is accusing Justin Baldoni of weaponizing the media when her own team orchestrated this vicious attack by sending The New York Times grossly edited documents prior to even filing the complaint."

"We are releasing all of the evidence which will show a pattern of bullying and threats to take over the movie," he continues. "None of this will come as a surprise because consistent with her past behavior Blake Lively used other people to communicate those threats and bully her way to get whatever she wanted. We have all the receipts and more."

Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV

January 16, 2025 — Justin Baldoni brings Taylor Swift into the conversation

Justin responded to the New York Times allegations with his own 179-page, $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. And the lawsuit mentions Blake's BFF, Taylor Swift.

Justin claims he was invited to a meeting in Ryan and Blake's apartment with the couple and Taylor after he didn't enthusiastically accept Blake's rewrite of a scene. He says Blake described Taylor and Ryan in a subsequent text as "embarrassingly effusive" and her "most trusted partners." She allegedly wrote, "I think they wanted you and me to see how they felt about [the rewrites] because they've been by my side for far too many experiences where I've been overlooked."

Then, according to Justin, Blake texted, "If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, you'll appreciate that I'm Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. you will too, I can promise you."

Yeah...allegedly Taylor didn't like that.

Courtesy of Bryan Freedman

January 21, 2025 — Justin Baldoni releases a behind-the-scenes It Ends With Us video

Near the end of January, Justin's legal team released a behind-the-scenes video to "refute" Blake's claim. "The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another. Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism."

However, Blake's team disagrees, telling Page Six that "the video itself is damning” and that “the released footage corroborates” her original lawsuit.

“The video shows Mr. Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms. Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character,” the statement continues. “Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present. Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively’s co-star, but the director, the head of studio and Ms. Lively’s boss.”

Sony Pictures Releasing

January 21, 2025 — Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds seek a gag order for Justin Baldoni's lawyer

After Justin's video was released, Blake Lively's legal team sought a gag order against Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman. Justin's legal team told People that “Justin Baldoni and team has nothing to hide" and that they "have the right to defend themselves with the truth."

“This is what we will be continuing to show with the upcoming website containing all correspondence as well as relevant videos that quash her claims.”

Cindy Ord/Getty Images/Sony Pictures Releasing

January 23, 2025 — Colleen Hoover deactivates her Instagram account

Amid the ongoing legal battle surrounding It Ends With Us, the book's author Colleen Hoover deactivated her Instagram account.

"Colleen Hoover deactivated her IG after [Justin's video] came out now idk what the hell that’s supposed to mean," one X user tweeted. And with those rumors she was considering retiring from writing, I also don't know what to think.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

January 24, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's mom praises his "integrity"

In an Instagram post celebrating his birthday, Justin's mom reminded him that "life has its moments and also its surprises - as you keep your integrity through it all Justice and truth will shine today and into eternity."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

January 28, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's apologizes to Blake Lively in leaked voice memo

In a voice memo seemingly referencing Blake Lively's It Ends With Us script rewrite, and Justin's response, the director apologized for his "fail."

He continues that while he's "a very flawed man as my wife will attest," and he's "gonna put my foot in my mouth [and] piss you off probably," he'll "always apologize and find my way back to center."

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January 30, 2025 — Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds move to dismiss Justin Baldoni's claim

At the end of January, Blake and Ryan made a move to dismiss Justin's original lawsuit.

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February 1, 2025 — Justin Baldoni publishes 2 years' worth of texts and voice memos from It Ends With Us

Justin published TheLawsuitInfo.com, which contains both an amended complaint and full timeline of events — including text messages and emails (the latter of which seem to confirm Blake's confusing It Ends With Us costumes cost over half a million dollars).

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February 3, 2025 — Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's judge warns their teams to rein in the PR war

Judge Judge Liman told both actors' teams to "rein in the public relations war outside the courtroom," according to People. He also told both lawyers they needed to work according to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, and avoid saying anything with a "substantial likelihood" of leading the jury to have a bias one way or the other.

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February 5, 2025 — Blake Lively gets sued (again)

At the beginning of February, Blake was sued by Jed Wallace, who was a part of Blake's own original lawsuit. Jed is looking to receive "at least $7 million and a court order stating that he didn’t engage in harassment or retaliation against the actress."

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February 6, 2025 — Taylor Swift reportedly "feels used" by Blake Lively amid It Ends With Us feud

After those Game of Thrones texts were revealed, a source told Page Six Tay “can’t help but feel used” by Blake Lively as her legal battle with Justin Baldoni rages on, and that she “doesn’t appreciate being referred to as one of Blake’s dragons.”

Only time will tell if the singer gets deposed.

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February 10, 2025 — A lawyer reveals why Justin Baldoni's website could "backfire"

Kevin Goldberg, Freedom Forum's Vice President and First Amendment expert, told Forbes why he thinks Justin's website is unexpected. "From a First Amendment point of view, that is unusual," the lawyer says. "Public figures don't usually win these cases and are not supposed to use the courts to try the case in the court of public opinion."

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February 12, 2025 — Blake Lively's team files a subpoena

Blake Lively's team is prepared to bring receipts to their 2026 court date. “Ms. Lively has initiated discovery that will expose the people, tactics, and methods that have worked to ‘destroy’ and ‘bury’ her reputation and family over the past year,” Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, her lawyers, say. “We will now receive all of the ‘receipts’ that, unsurprisingly, are nowhere to be found on Mr. [Bryan] Freedman’s website, and like Ms. Lively, those ‘receipts’ will have their day in court.”

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February 12, 2025 — Colleen Hoover returns to Instagram

Colleen Hoover also reactivated her Instagram on February 12 — without a photo with Justin or Blake in sight.

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February 16, 2025 — Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds show up to SNL50 celebration

Blake and Ryan surprised us all when they showed up to the SNL50 celebration, especially when Ryan seemingly made a joke about the whole situation.

A source told People that "Blake felt a bit anxious about attending the SNL anniversary" but "she still thought it was the perfect opportunity to ease back into the spotlight."

"They had many friends attending, and as soon as they arrived, they received a warm welcome," the source continues. "It was a great event."

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February 17, 2025 — Brandon Sklenar speaks on the feud

While on CBS Mornings, Brandon (who plays Atlas in the movie) said he wants "people to remember why we made the movie in the first place and what it stands for, and just keeping the focus on that." And he also revealed he's "Team It Ends With Us" when asked if he sided with Blake or Justin.

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February 18, 2025 — Blake Lively files an amended complaint

Blake Lively filed an amended complaint against Justin Baldoni on February 18, alleging two other actresses were "uncomfortable" on set — and could testify. She also revealed her kids are "traumatized" by the whole experience.

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February 19, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's lawyer says Blake's claim is "underwhelming"

Bryan Freedman, Justin's lawyer, spoke on Blake's amended complaint, claiming it's full of "unsubstantial hearsay."

"Since documents do not lie and people do, the upcoming depositions of those who initially supported Ms. Lively’s false claims and those who are witnesses to her own behavior will be enlightening," he said in a statement to THR. "What is truly uncomfortable here is Ms. Lively’s lack of actual evidence."

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February 19, 2025 — A resurfaced clip of Justin Baldoni reveals he was "exhausted" before Blake Lively's lawsuit

In November 2024, Justin told Gent's Talk Podcast that he "wasn't in the best place" after an "intense" year, and that he still needed to "heal."

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February 20, 2025 — Resurfaced clips prove Taylor Swift did actually have creative involvement in It Ends With Us

Despite reports Taylor wasn't involved in the creative process for It Ends With Us, Justin revealed in a resurfaced clip from 2024 that he showed Isabela Ferrer's (young Lily) casting tape to both Blake and Taylor. “They were both, like, ‘Yes! her,'” he said. “And that’s a true story.”

"She was a helpful part of the process of the audition, which I found out later after I got it and that rocked my world," Isabela told Extra at the movie's premiere.

Check Brit + Co for the latest update on Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's feud.

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