Newly unsealed legal documents have revealed that Blake Lively faced intense criticism from senior executives at Sony Pictures Entertainment during the height of the controversy surrounding the film It Ends With Us. The disclosures have shed light on behind-the-scenes discussions that took place as allegations involving the movie’s director and co-star Justin Baldoni dominated headlines.
According to the documents, top studio officials privately accused the 38-year-old actress of damaging the film’s success by making public allegations during a crucial promotional period. Internal emails show that executives believed the controversy shifted attention away from the film itself and turned it into what they described as an unavoidable media spectacle.
One of the most striking comments came from Sanford Panitch, executive vice president and president of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. In a private email, he suggested that despite the film’s strong box office performance, Blake Lively’s career prospects could suffer significantly. He compared her situation to Anne Hathaway, who previously faced backlash but later recovered. Panitch reportedly described Lively as “bizarrely unhirable” at the time, despite the movie heading toward major commercial success.
However, not all executives shared the same view. Another Sony leader pushed back, insisting that the situation would eventually pass and that Lively would be fine. Panitch strongly disagreed, responding that the damage was already done and that the fallout would last at least for a while.
The emails also criticized the timing of Lively’s haircare brand launch, with executives calling it a poor decision that added fuel to the controversy. They suggested she ignore the advice and underestimate how the situation would be perceived publicly.
Further criticism came from Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. In a blunt email, he described the entire situation as a disaster, stating that regardless of who was right or wrong, the controversy itself had become the defining story of the film. He labeled the outcome as tragic, arguing that audiences could no longer view the movie without the scandal in mind.
In response, Bryan Freedman, Blake Lively’s attorney, said the messages support her legal position and insisted the evidence does not validate the accusations against her. The trial involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is scheduled to begin on May 18, with public interest expected to remain high.
