The country star told fans her medication and treatment would make it hard to perform

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Dolly Parton has cancelled her Las Vegas residency after she says her health needs a ‘re-build’. In a social media video she quipped that like a car she needs to ‘rebuild the engine’, as the 80-year-old called the news ‘good and bad’.

Known for tracks like Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You, Dolly told fans on Monday (May 4) that doctors said “everything is treatable” and she is making improvements on a daily basis.

The Mirror reports she said, in a video on X: “I am here to give you an update in a few things in my life. First, it’s concerning my health and I have some good news and a little bad news but the good news is I’m responding well to to meds and treatments and I am improving every day.

“The bad news is it’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swim-headed as my grandma used to say and of course I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos and guitars and such on five-inch heels, not to mention all those rhinestone outfits, my big hair my big, uh, personality, that would make anyone swim-headed.

“Think of me as an old-fashioned car, once restored, it can be better than ever. But when they lifted the hood on this antique, they realised that I need to rebuild my engine, my transmission is slipping and my mufflers need busting, my pistons need to be replaced.

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“Spark plugs need to be changed because you know as well as I know that I can’t lose my spark! I know, I’m still crazy but they didn’t mention nothing about my mental health.

“I’ve always had problems with my kidney stones, my immune system and by digestive system got all out of whack and they’re working real hard on building and re-strengthening those. Hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.

Dolly continued: “Maybe I shouldn’t have said snuff – that wouldn’t be good for either of those would it. I wouldn’t want my top lip to fall off on top of everything else.

“It’d be like losing a hubcap. I’m just trying to keep everything light and airy, they say that a happy heart is good medicine.

“Do you think I’m overmedicating? The truth is I am still working, videos, recording, I go up and down to Dollywood and I’m working hard on getting my hotel and museum open.

“And I’m spending a lot of time working on my Broadway musical open this year. I know you’re thinking ‘That girl’s always promoting something,’ that’s true, but that’s how you get it done. I am truly sorry.”

Dolly then turned to the subject of her late husband Carl, who passed away just over a year ago almost six decades after they tied the knot, and thanked her loyal fans for the way they had reached out to her in the time since his death.

“I’m gonna miss all of you that had tickets to see me in Las Vegas, you get along to Vegas, have a good time and hopefully sometime you’ll come up to New York and see my show, I’ll see you somewhere down the line. A lot of have been so concerned about me and Carl, and you’ve been so great about that, and after going through a year of firsts – the holidays, and our wedding anniversary and the day of his death, that was hard for me but I will always love him and I’ll always miss him.”

Known for her humorous quips and quotes, the performer signed off her lengthy video by joking about her numerous bouts of cosmetic work over the years but acknowledged the “serious business” that is her internal health, as she reminded fans that, in a nod to her 1973 ballad that was famously covered by Whitney Houston, that she will “always love” them.

“You would be surprised at how much your love meant to me during that time. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, you have been a big part of my healing.

“Speaking of Carl and my health, I remember years back, I was saying something and Carl said ‘You’re not getting any younger!’ and I said ‘Honey, as long as there are plastic surgeons in this world, I am not getting any older!’

“Plastic surgeons can make you look good on the outside but it’s serious business when you’re talking about internal medicine. I have great doctors, and I’m doing really well and they assure me that everything I have is treatable, so I am going with that and I just want to thank you for standing by me and I Will Always Love You.”

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An evidence gathering operation was in place and an investigation is now underway to identify those involved

PSNI officers were attacked with “bottles and masonry” following disorder in West Belfast on Monday night.

Police are appealing for information after crowds gathered in the Stewartstown Road area of the city to attend a ‘car cruise’ organised online. Chief Inspector George said: “Police received a number of reports that large crowds of people and vehicles, had gathered and were driving dangerously in the vicinity of Blacks Road, Bell Steele Road and Diary Farm areas.

READ MORE: MLA slams ‘disgraceful scenes’ at Stewartstown Road car cruise eventREAD MORE: Northern Ireland Bank Holiday dates remaining for 2026

“Officers attended and subsequently came under attack by youths throwing bottles and masonry. “Two officers were struck and number of police vehicles were damaged in the attack. “I would appeal to those people involved in this kind of reckless behaviour on our roads to think about the possible serious consequence of their actions. “Not only does this kind of activity impact on the lives of local residents, but it can present a significant danger to other road users. “I would also urge those involved to be aware that police will use all powers available to them to ensure the safety of road users, including the power to seize vehicles. “We have been, and will continue to work with our partner organisations, including local politicians, to address this issue, and work towards delivering a safe solution. “An evidence gathering operation was in place and an investigation is now underway to identify those involved in disorder.”

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker hit out at those who travelled to the Colin area and caused ‘chaos’.

The West Belfast MLA said: “The scenes in the Colin area tonight were absolutely chaotic and nothing short of a disgrace.

“Lives were put at risk as cars freely spun around the road and motorbikes sped up and down. I strongly condemn those involved.

“There is frustration in our community tonight, particularly directed at those who took part in this shocking behaviour, but also at the PSNI who did not arrive until the situation had already got out of control.

“Police were made aware several hours ago of this pre-planned event and I urged them to deploy preventative measures to stop the cavalcade of cars from entering the area.

“These concerns fell on deaf ears, and by the time police arrived it was too late.

“I will be requesting an urgent meeting with police to reflect the feelings of people in the Colin who feel completely let down.

“I am also urging swift action to ensure those involved in this reckless behaviour are apprehended.”

Paul Doherty also took to social media to condem the action of “thugs” in the area on Monday night.

He said: “Absolutely disgraceful scenes on the Stewartstown Road tonight. Someone could have been killed here tonight by these thugs.

“People are wreaking havoc in this community, putting residents, pedestrians and road users at serious risk. It is totally unacceptable.

“Police needed to act immediately and end this. Should never have got to this in the first place as it was widely spread on social media.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The crash involved a silver/grey Volkswagen Golf and took place on Arkle Street.

The Golf flipped on its side into bollards at the kerbside on impact.

Still from CCTV shortly after the moment of impact between VW Golf and police vehicle in Arkle Street, Darlington, today (Mon May 4) (Image: Public contribution)

Damaged VW Golf which overturned in Darlington after police stop in Arkle Crescent (Image: The Northern Echo)

Police vehicle at the scene of collision involving a VW Golf, which was left on its side following impact with a force car (Image: The Northern Echo)

Crash scene on Arkle Crescent, Skerne Park, Darlington, with damaged VW Golf on side (Image: The Northern Echo)

Read next … more crime stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

The incident, shortly after 4pm, attracted a lot of interest among youths who congregated to see what was going on, but were ushered away in the aftermath, as police checked the scene.

Durham Police were contacted by The Northern Echo for more information this evening..

“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people”

A blogger on board the MV Hondius cruise ship has spoken out about their ordeal during a suspected hantavirus outbreak. Three people have died and a Brit is fighting for their life after they were rushed to hospital from the ship.

Operator of the cruise, Oceanwide Expeditions, has warned that there is a “serious medical situation on board” and has confirmed that the British passenger, who is in the ICU, has hantavirus, which is spread by rats.

Another Brit who is a crew member, is also needing “urgent care”, the Mirror reports. Earlier today, US travel blogger, Jake Rosmarin took to Instagram to update his 44,000 followers about the situation.

An emotional Jake said: “I am currently on board the MV Hondius, and what’s happening right now is very real for all of us here.

“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people. People with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home. There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part.

“All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity, and to get home. So if you’re seeing coverage about this, just remember that there are real people behind it, and that this isn’t something happening far away.

“It’s happening to us, right now.”

Dutch company, Oceanwide Expeditions, said two crew members, British and Dutch employees, had “acute respiratory symptoms”, with both needing “urgent medical care” and one showing “severe” symptoms.

Three others – two Dutch nationals and one German – have died, although Oceanwide Expeditions said the cause of their deaths has not yet been confirmed. The company has said there were 23 Brits on board, including 19 passengers and four crew members.

As of Monday afternoon, the ship remains off the coast of Cape Verde, with 149 people on board, 19 of whom are British passengers and four British crew members.

There are two crew members on board, of British and Dutch nationality, with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe, Oceanwide Expeditions said.

It added that both require urgent medical care, and at this time, no one else with symptoms has been identified.

Hantavirus has not currently been confirmed in the two people still on board who require medical care, nor has it been established that the virus is connected to the three deaths associated with the voyage, the tour operator said.

The cruise’s operator said the disembarkation of passengers, medical evacuation and medical screening require permission from, and co-ordination with, the local health authorities, who have “visited the vessel and assessed the situation”.

The ship’s journey began on April 1, and a passenger died on board on April 11, Oceanwide Expeditions said.

The cause of death could not be determined on board. On April 24, this passenger was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation.

The WHO said: “Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations.

“Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”

The risk to the wider public remains low, according to Hans Henri P Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe. He added that there is “no need for panic or travel restrictions”.

While it is rare, hantavirus infections can spread between people, according to the WHO.

There is no specific treatment or cure but patients have a better chance of survival if they receive medical attention early.

Number One Fan stars Jill Halfpenny and Sally Lindsay in the new Channel 5 psychological thriller

Audiences have been left split over a new Channel 5 psychological thriller.

Number One Fan debuted on Monday evening, featuring Jill Halfpenny and Sally Lindsay.

The fresh drama centres on the assault of a popular TV presenter, who confronts her stalker.

Jill portrays morning programme host Lucy, who is rescued from an assault in a car park by an unfamiliar woman called Donna, portrayed by Sally.

Donna’s behaviour initially appears harmless, presenting herself as Lucy’s “number one fan”, but circumstances rapidly become increasingly menacing, reports the Mirror.

Her sinister fixation starts to permeate Lucy’s professional life, family and friends, extending to kidnapping her daughter and resorting to blackmail.

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The series synopsis states: “When a beloved TV presenter’s seemingly perfect life is disrupted by a chance encounter with an adoring fan, admiration slowly turns into something far more unsettling.

“As the spotlight intensifies and trust begins to fracture, fame becomes a dangerous place to hide… And the line between fan and foe starts to blur with devastating consequences.

“To her horror, Lucy comes to realise that Donna has a link to a hidden secret in her past which threatens to derail the career she has so carefully curated.”

Following the first episode’s broadcast, one viewer criticised: “Not sure there’ll be a series 2.”

“I don’t know if I can manage another episode,” another agreed.

Someone else commented: “I thought this might get better as I love Sally and Jill. But guys this is bad. This is really bad.”

“This is ridiculously bad,” yet another said, as another wrote: “This is terrible.”

“Oh dear. This is going to be really bad isn’t it?” another said.

Other viewers were quick to express their enthusiasm for the series, with one writing: “I just knew this show was gonna be incredible,” as another said: “Loving it.”

One viewer said: “I already sense this is going to be one of those dramas I’ll never forget and I’m here for it,” as someone else commented: “Sally Lindsay+Jill Halfpenny = Perfection.”

Someone else wrote: “The way this show is cringing me out so badly, but yet I can’t stop watching it bc it’s so weirdly intriguing.”

Teasing what to expect, The Madame Blanc Mysteries star Sally described the series as “dark and a bit of a rollercoaster”.

She added: “You think it’s taking you down one path with this famous TV presenter, the queen of daytime television, who meets someone who adores her and then you go down this completely different path that you’re not expecting.

“When I read it, I was like, ‘Well, I didn’t see that coming.’ It’s quite contemporary but it also explores television’s past and things that just wouldn’t happen now.

“For me and for Jill, we’ve been knocking around for nearly 30 years, so we remember living through all that.”

Number One Fan continues on Tuesday at 9pm on Channel 5

Nicole Kidman made an early statement on the Met Gala red carpet, arriving in a bold Chanel look alongside her daughter Sunday Rose.

As one of the evening’s co-chairs, the Oscar-winning actress fully embraced the spotlight, wearing a striking sequined red gown complete with feathered detailing at the waist and wrists.

The sculpted silhouette and high-shine finish ensured she was among the first stars to command attention as guests arrived.

Walking the carpet with her, Sunday Rose — Kidman’s 17-year-old daughter with ex-husband Keith Urban — provided a softer contrast in a strapless pink and purple gown, paired with coordinating statement earrings.

The pair’s joint appearance comes after reports that Urban was left ‘heartbroken’ following an interview in which Sunday praised her mother without mentioning her father.

Speaking to  Elle Australia, the teenager described Nicole Kidman as ‘my biggest inspiration in life’, adding: ‘She is a key part of everything I do.’

However, there was no reference to her father in the interview — something a source claimed had left the country singer struggling to respond.

‘Keith doesn’t know what to say, but he’s trying to put on a brave front,’ a source told New Idea at the time. ‘He knows he has to be patient; however, this latest snub… has stumped him. It’s like he doesn’t exist.’

Kidman and Urban, who married in 2006, confirmed their split last year after 19 years together. They share two daughters, Sunday Rose and younger sister Faith Margaret, 14.

Following the separation, it was reported that Kidman would take the girls for the majority of the time, with some weekends spent with their father.

The pair posed together for photographers, with their obvious affection for each other making a subtle statement about dynamics within the family.

This year’s theme, ‘Fashion Is Art’, has already delivered a wave of elaborate and theatrical ensembles, with Kidman’s feathered Chanel gown already among the standout moments of the night.

Got a story?

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The US military claims to have sunk six small Iranian boats as tensions continue to rise in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command (Centcom) commander admiral Brad Cooper said Iran was targeting commercial shipping and US military ships with cruise missiles. An Iranian military official denied the US navy report, according to state television.

It comes after the United States rejected claims by Iran that two missiles struck an American warship intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.

Tehran’s semi-official state news agency Fars reported the warship was turned back after it was struck while sailing near Jask island, following an earlier threat from Iran to attack any US boats that sought to enter the strait.

Centcom said on X that “no US Navy ships have been struck”. It did not directly respond to claims that a warship had been made to turn back.

The United Arab Emirates, a key American ally, also said it had come under attack from Iran for the first time since the fragile ceasefire took hold in early April.

The UAE Defence Ministry said its air defences had engaged 15 missiles and four drones fired by Iran. Authorities in the eastern emirate of Fujairah said one drone sparked a fire at a key oil facility, wounding three Indian nationals. The UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) reported two cargo vessels ablaze off the UAE.

The latest conflict came after US president Donald Trump had vowed to free commercial ships stranded in the waterway as part of his “Project Freedom”, an operation to guide foreign ships past Iran’s blockade, which was imposed shortly after the US-Israeli war on Iran began on 28 February.

Centcom later said that two US-flagged merchant vessels had passed through the Strait of Hormuz as US Navy guided-missile destroyers operated in the Gulf. Tehran has not yet responded to the claims.

Admiral Cooper claimed to establish a lane for ships to cross through the strait in Oman’s waters, saying it had set up an “enhanced security area.”

Trump warned Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if they attack US vessels carrying out Project Freedom in an interview with Fox News’ Trey Yingst on Monday.

It came after his lengthy Truth Social post on Sunday, where he declared the “humanitarian” mission, beginning on Monday morning, would “free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong”.

Several ships were running low on food and other supplies, he said.

“They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders! For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” Mr Trump wrote.

He said “Project Freedom” came as the US held “very positive discussions” with Iran, who have reportedly issued the US president a one-month deadline for negotiations on its proposed deal to reopen the strait and bring an end to the war.

A senior Iranian lawmaker had previously warned that any US involvement in managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would constitute a violation of the ceasefire.

Ibrahim Azizi dismissed the idea that the waterway could be directed by Washington, saying the strait and the Persian Gulf “would not be managed by Trump’s delusional posts”.

“No one would believe Blame Game scenarios!” he added.

Hours before claiming to have struck a US warship, a statement from the Iranian military declared it would “respond harshly” to any threat from foreign vessels.

Ali Abdollahi, the head of the forces’ unified command, said in the statement that commercial ships and oil tankers must refrain from any movement in the absence of coordination with Iran’s military.

“We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be coordinated with the armed forces,” Mr Abdollahi said.

“We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz.”

Later on Monday, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent called on China to step up efforts to help the US end Iran’s blockade of the waterway.

Washington will be watching to see whether China steps up its diplomacy with Iran, he added.

Manchester City’s failure to beat Everton on Monday night means Arsenal have a five point advantage in the Premier League title race with just a handful of games remaining

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal can wrap up the title this weekend if they beat can beat West Ham after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

The former Premier League champions headed to Hill Dickinson Stadium knowing that only a win would do with Arsenal six points ahead of them, albeit having played two games more. But a second half implosion meant they had to settle for a 3-3 draw, with Jeremy Doku rescuing a point right at the death.

City’s failure to win means their fate is no longer in their own hands, with Arsenal five points ahead of their rivals. And while nothing will be confirmed this weekend, Carragher and Gunners legend Thierry Henry both pinpointed this weekend’s trip to West Ham as a decisive one in terms of the destination of the title.

“It’s a tough away game, they [Bournemouth] are in great form,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

READ MORE: Man City hand Arsenal control of title race despite dramatic comeback vs EvertonREAD MORE: Premier League explain decision to allow Everton goal vs Man City

“From an Arsenal perspective, tonight is about the league, but can you imagine the stadium tomorrow [for the CL semi-final second leg]? The excitement for the competition, the energy from the fans that will be in that stadium. To get to a Champions League final, the league is in your hands with three games to go.

“If Arsenal win against West Ham next Sunday, they win the league.”

Henry stressed that he would not be getting ahead of himself as there is still scope for Arsenal to also drop points and pinpointed the trip to West Ham as the game that ‘worried’ him the most.

The Frenchman said: “I thought Man City would drop points at Everton… they came back into the game and he [Pep Guardiola] has to be positive because they still have plenty of points to play.

“The only thing that has changed is it is now in Arsenal’s hands only.”

He continued: “Now it’s back in Arsenal’s hands. It’s not in Man City’s hands anymore. I said at the beginning of the show that I could see City dropping points against Everton and that I’m worried about the West Ham game. So I’m going to stay in my lane and not celebrate too early because nothing is done. But I could see that happening.

“I saw a bit of nervousness with City because they imploded. They brought Everton back into the game with some mistakes. The game became crazy.

“Arsenal can see that Man City dropped two points, but you can’t start to think that, ‘Now, maybe…’ There’s no maybe.

“Win your games. Don’t look at City. It’s in your hands.”

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Wu Yize has become the second youngest winner of the World Snooker Championship after a stunning 18-17 victory over Shaun Murphy.

It was the first time the Crucible final had gone down to a deciding frame since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002.

22-year-old Wu had never won a match at the Crucible before this year, but has produced an incredible run of performances in Sheffield.

Victories over Lei Peifan, Mark Selby, Hossein Vafaei and a dramatic deciding frame win over Mark Allen took him to the final, where even more drama followed.

The two relentlessly attacking players stuck to their guns and took it to each other over 34 brilliant frames.

Momentum swung each way as the big breaks kept flowing and neither lost their nerve as they went punch for punch and Wu just pipped Murphy to cross the line.

Are you snooker loopy?

You’re in the right place. I’m Phil Haigh, and I cover the game we all love for Metro.

In my new newsletter, The Table, I analyse the biggest talking points, pull back the curtain on the sport and crown the biggest winners and losers every week.

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The next edition will look back on what has been a great World Championship yet again, so there’s no better time to sign up.

After Zhao Xintong became China’s first world champion last year, the country can now boast two Crucible kings.

Taking defeat impressively, Murphy said: ‘It’s been an excellent couple of weeks for me and my team here in Sheffield. We’ve had an amazing time, some great performances, we’ve had a lot of laughs and jeez we came close, we were very, very close.

‘I’d like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize, his family and everyone around him on being a wonderful world champion, congratulations.’

Wu started the last day of the tournament 10-7 ahead, having finished Sunday night in some style, but the composure he had shown seemed to have deserted him in the third of four sessions.

The Englishman reeled off the first five frames of the day, knocking in breaks of 76, 52, 59 and 60 along the way, to take the lead at 12-10.

Pressure had not seemed to be an issue for Wu over the entire tournament, but he appeared to finally be cracking with the finish line in sight.

He filled those cracks before the session ended, though, stopping the rot with a 64 and moving level again in the penultimate frame of the afternoon.

Wu then looked superbly composed and dangerous again in the 25th, knocking in a very difficult break of 61 to help him on his way to 13-12 ahead.

The Chinese star looked like a spent force but roared back into fine form to get his nose back in front.

There was a rousing reception for both as they returned for the last session but there were contrasting entrances from the players, with Wu barely acknowledging the crowd as he walked down the stairs, while Murphy soaked up the moment.

The younger man certainly appeared more settled at the start of this session than the last, knocking in a powerful 88.

The tit-for-tat went on, though, as Murphy made 82 and then took the next to level up once again at 14-14.

Then came two dramatic steals, one from Wu and next from Murphy in stunning fashion as the Chinese star made 70, only for the Englishman to clear up with 65 to pinch it on the black.

That could have been a real blow for the youngster, but he was in again with a long red, blasting the pack apart and making a half-century to move 16-15 up.

Back surged the Magician with a beautiful 131, bringing the crowd to their feet, as the match was even yet again.

Both did make errors in the next two, but were still playing well enough to pounce on the mistake of the other as Wu went one from victory with a 91 and Murphy responded with a 75 to send us to a decider.

It was the Englishman who briefly got in first, but played safe and Wu who got the first really good chance thanks to an excellent red to middle.

He made a break of 85 in yet more swashbuckling style to get the job done and become world champion.

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The high-profile legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has come to an abrupt and unexpected end after a year and a half, with both sides agreeing to settle just weeks before they were due to face each other in court.

The pair, who starred together in It Ends with Us, had been locked in a bitter back-and-forth since late 2024, after Lively, 38, filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni, 42, of misconduct on set and alleging a coordinated effort to damage her reputation.

Baldoni denied the claims and launched a countersuit of his own, drawing in his production company Wayfarer Studios as the dispute escalated into one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal sagas.

The production of the pair’s 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel came under the spotlight when tensions first emerged between the two co-stars during the film’s publicity tour.

While both starred in the film, Baldoni also directed, while Lively was an executive producer.

A trial had been scheduled to begin in New York later this month, with both actors expected to testify, but that will no longer go ahead following Monday’s agreement.

The terms of the settlement have not been made public.

In a joint statement, lawyers for both sides said they hoped the resolution would allow everyone involved to ‘move forward constructively and in peace’, while emphasising a shared commitment to respectful and safe working environments.

They also pointed to the film at the centre of the dispute as something they remain proud of, adding that raising awareness around domestic violence — a key theme of the story — continues to be an important goal.

The legal fight had already been narrowed before the settlement. A judge had dismissed the majority of Lively’s claims, including those relating to sexual harassment, while allowing a smaller number, including breach of contract and retaliation, to proceed.

She had originally alleged that Baldoni is liable for at least $161million (£117million) in damages and lost income arising from what she claimed was a smear campaign levelled against her during the movie’s release.

Baldoni denied all claims and then sued The New York Times for libel over their siding with Lively’s account of events, and sued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane for civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.

The ruling that dismissed many of Lively’s claims hinged in part on her status as an independent contractor, meaning certain workplace protections under US law did not apply in the same way as they would for employees.

However, the judge indicated that allegations around a retaliatory campaign could still be examined in court, noting the potential reputational impact in an industry where public image is closely tied to career prospects.

The dispute first became public in December 2024, though rumours of tension had already begun circulating during the film’s promotional run, when the co-stars notably appeared separately.

Despite all the drama, It Ends With Us proved a major commercial success, taking more than $350million at the global box office despite mixed reviews.

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