Blake Lively has fired back at The Hollywood Reporter over what she calls a “sexist” and “insulting” magazine cover.
The 37-year-old actress - who starred alongside Baldoni, 41, in It Ends With Us - has been embroiled in a legal battle over alleged misconduct that took place during filming.
Now, she’s taking issue with the way The Hollywood Reporter has framed the controversy.
Lively’s Team Condemns ‘Outrageously Insulting’ Artwork
The cover illustration in question shows Lively dressed in a flowing gown, using a slingshot to fire a phone at Baldoni, who is depicted wearing a wool tunic and clutching the original It Ends With Us book — symbolizing his role in adapting the novel into a screenplay.
An extended version of the artwork on the magazine’s website also features Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, dressed as a satirical version of his Deadpool character called “Nicepool” — which some have perceived to be a mocking characterization of Baldoni.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, is shown standing behind him with his hands on his hips, staring down Reynolds.
The imagery appears to be a reference to the biblical story of David and Goliath, in which a young shepherd defeats a giant using a slingshot. However, Lively’s team says the portrayal is both misleading and offensive.
“The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself,” a spokesperson for Lively told the Daily Mail in a scathing statement.
“The framing in this picture is outrageously insulting as it plays into every sexist trope about women who dare file a workplace complaint, turning them into the aggressor, and suggesting they deserve the retaliation that comes their way,” the statement continued.
The statement further condemned the accompanying article, saying: “In addition, the story is extremely offensive as it incredibly seems to explain away documented examples of sexual harassment and retaliation by calling them ‘cultural misunderstandings.’”
Backlash Over the Controversial Cover
The cover has ignited backlash online, with many criticizing The Hollywood Reporter for making light of Lively’s sexual harassment claims.
Over in the comments section of The Hollywood Reporter’s post, one person wrote: “The fact that this cover actually made it to print, says a lot about the lack of judgment behind the scenes.”
A second added: “Framing a serious case of sexual harassment as a dramatic Hollywood ‘battle’ is incredibly irresponsible. And for what? Clicks? Such poor taste. This isn’t entertainment – it’s about accountability and justice. Do better.”
“This is a weird artistic concept that’s also executed incredibly poorly,” a third wrote.
Other slammed the publication for making a “joke” of a story that - at its center - stems from very serious allegations.
Lively’s Lawsuit Escalates
The magazine cover controversy comes just days after Lively escalated her legal fight against Baldoni by alleging that she wasn’t the only woman who felt uncomfortable on the set of It Ends With Us.
In an amended complaint filed in New York federal court on Tuesday, Lively’s team claims that other women “confided in Blake about their discomfort,” according to PEOPLE.
One such incident reportedly involves actress Jenny Slate, who played Allysa in the film. The Hollywood Reporter previously revealed that Slate had lodged a complaint against Jamey Heath, the CEO of Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios.
According to the report, Slate had voiced concerns about her living situation while filming in New York, saying she was unhappy with her apartment but felt stuck after placing a $15,000 deposit.
Heath allegedly offered to reimburse her so she could relocate but used “language” that made her feel “uncomfortable.” Sources claim he placed heavy emphasis on “the sanctity of motherhood and Slate’s role as a mother.”
Following the exchange, Slate filed a complaint with Sony, the film’s distributor.
Although Lively did not specifically name Slate in her amended lawsuit, the claims have added another layer to the ongoing battle between her and Baldoni’s team.
As well as accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior on-set, she also accused the actor of spearheading a smear campaign against her.
Baldoni has denied all allegations against him, and his production company has countered with its own lawsuit against Lively, seeking $400 million in damages. In an attempt to refute her claims, Baldoni’s team also released on-set footage of the scene in question.
Lively’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, has accused Baldoni’s camp of making "inflammatory extrajudicial comments" about the case, while Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has claimed that Lively’s team is attempting to impose a "gag order" to prevent him from speaking to the media.
The case is currently scheduled to go to trial in March 2026.