Blake Lively has fiercely condemned The Hollywood Reporter for what she deems a “sexist” cover illustration that makes light of her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
The actress, 37, expressed outrage over the publication’s depiction of her in the midst of her sexual harassment lawsuit, calling the imagery both inappropriate and harmful.
In a statement provided to DailyMail.com, a spokesperson for Lively said, “The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself.
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 further criticized the accompanying article, claiming it attempts to downplay allegations
of sexual harassment and retaliation by referring to them as mere “cultural misunderstandings.”
Backlash Over Controversial Cover
The publication’s latest cover sparked widespread criticism on social media. The illustration portrays Lively hurling a cellphone at Baldoni, who is clutching a copy of It Ends With Us. The imagery is a reference to the biblical story of David and Goliath, depicting Lively as the underdog in a battle against Baldoni.
However, many online users found the comparison flawed and offensive, given that Lively, a Hollywood star married to Ryan Reynolds, is arguably the bigger public figure in this situation. Social media erupted with backlash, with one user tweeting, “The audacity to turn this whole case into a joke is f**king alarming. I stand with Blake Lively because I believe her.”
Another user criticized the magazine, writing, “Something is actually deeply wrong with your publication that you thought this disgusting cover was even remotely appropriate. This is disturbing.”
Adding to the controversy, a full landscape version of the artwork includes Ryan Reynolds dressed as Nicepool, a variation of his iconic Deadpool character. Baldoni has previously claimed that Reynolds created the Nicepool persona as a means to “bully” him.
Legal Battle Intensifies
Lively recently strengthened her case against Baldoni, alleging that she was not the only woman who felt uncomfortable on the set of It Ends With Us. In an amended complaint filed in New York federal court, the actress claims that other women shared their discomfort with her, further supporting her allegations.
According to People, actress Jenny Slate, who played Allysa in the film, also lodged a complaint—though Lively did not specifically name her in the court documents. Slate allegedly had an unsettling interaction with Jamey Heath, CEO of Wayfarer Studios, regarding housing accommodations during filming. Slate claimed that Heath made her feel uncomfortable by using language that overly emphasized the “sanctity of motherhood.”
Meanwhile, Lively and Reynolds have requested additional legal protections due to violent threats they have received amid the lawsuit. A letter submitted to Judge Lewis J. Liman in New York requested stricter confidentiality measures, citing “violent, profane, sexist, and threatening communications” directed at Lively, her family, and others involved in the case.
Baldoni’s Response and Counterclaims
In response to Lively’s latest legal move, Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman dismissed her claims as “unsubstantiated hearsay.” In a statement to DailyMail.com, he asserted that Baldoni has provided “real-time documents and video showing a completely different story” and accused Lively of manipulating the media.
Baldoni has also launched multiple lawsuits in retaliation, including a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her publicist, and Reynolds. Additionally, he has filed a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times over its reporting on the allegations.
Lively, in turn, has expanded her legal action, adding crisis PR firm Street Relations, Inc., and its owner, Jed Wallace, as defendants. She claims Wallace orchestrated an online smear campaign against her on behalf of Baldoni.
No End in Sight
With both parties digging in their heels, the legal battle shows no signs of resolution. A judge has scheduled a trial date for March 2026, and both Lively and Baldoni have declined mediation efforts.
As the case unfolds, the controversy surrounding The Hollywood Reporter’s cover serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women who speak out against workplace misconduct. While some view the lawsuit as a complex legal battle, Lively’s supporters continue to rally behind her, condemning any attempt to trivialize her claims.
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