Business
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni $60M Legal Battle Takes Heavy Toll on Both Stars
NEW YORK — The high-profile $60 million legal war between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a serious emotional and professional toll on both actors, with insiders saying the bitter dispute over the film It Ends With Us has left them exhausted, isolated and navigating intense public scrutiny more than nine months after allegations first surfaced.
Sources close to both parties describe a once-collaborative working relationship that deteriorated into accusations of misconduct, smear campaigns and retaliatory lawsuits, creating what one Hollywood veteran called “one of the messiest public battles in recent memory.” The conflict, which began during production of the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, escalated into federal court filings that continue to dominate tabloid headlines and social media discourse.
Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit in December 2024 accusing Baldoni, 41, and others involved in the project of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Baldoni responded with a $60 million countersuit in early 2025, claiming Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds orchestrated a smear campaign to damage his reputation and seize control of the film’s narrative. Both sides have denied the allegations leveled against them, with legal teams trading sharp public statements.
The Human Cost Behind the Headlines
Friends of Lively say the ordeal has been particularly draining as she balances motherhood — the couple shares four children — with the intense media spotlight. “This has affected her deeply,” one close source said. “Blake is a private person at heart, and having every detail of her professional conduct dissected publicly has been incredibly difficult.” Lively has maintained a relatively low profile since the lawsuits intensified, focusing on family while her legal team handles the public-facing aspects of the case.
Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film, has also felt the weight of the battle. Associates describe him as frustrated and determined to clear his name, but exhausted by the financial and emotional strain of prolonged litigation. “Justin poured his heart into this project,” a source familiar with his side said. “The accusations hit him hard, and fighting back has taken a real toll on his mental health and career momentum.”
The legal costs alone are staggering. Industry estimates suggest both parties have already spent millions on attorneys, public relations firms and expert witnesses. The $60 million countersuit figure includes claims of defamation, interference with contractual relations and economic harm, signaling Baldoni’s aggressive push for vindication.
Fallout in Hollywood and Beyond
The dispute has sent ripples throughout the entertainment industry. Several cast members from It Ends With Us have reportedly distanced themselves, with some choosing not to comment publicly. The film’s box office success — it grossed over $350 million worldwide — now feels overshadowed by the off-screen drama, affecting marketing efforts for potential sequels or related projects.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. Supporters of Lively point to the #MeToo movement and the importance of believing women in Hollywood, while Baldoni’s defenders argue that due process matters and that powerful couples like Lively and Reynolds can weaponize media narratives. Social media platforms continue to host heated debates, with hashtags related to the case trending periodically.
Mental health experts following the story note that high-profile legal battles often exacerbate anxiety, depression and reputational trauma for celebrities. “When your personal and professional lives collide in the courtroom, the stress is compounded,” said Dr. Rachel Goldman, a psychologist specializing in celebrity mental health. “Both Lively and Baldoni are in the public eye 24/7, which makes healing much more difficult.”
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The case remains active in federal court, with discovery ongoing and multiple motions filed by both sides. Lively’s team has pushed for dismissal of parts of the countersuit, while Baldoni’s attorneys argue that evidence will vindicate their client. A trial date has not yet been set, but insiders expect proceedings to stretch well into 2027, meaning the public saga could continue for years.
Both actors have paused most public promotional work related to the film. Lively has focused on smaller projects and family time, while Baldoni has leaned into his existing podcast and wellness ventures. Neither has spoken extensively about the case beyond prepared legal statements, a strategy their teams believe protects their positions in court.
Broader Implications for Hollywood
The Lively-Baldoni conflict highlights ongoing challenges in the post-#MeToo era. Questions about power dynamics on film sets, the role of intimacy coordinators, and how allegations are handled remain at the forefront. Advocacy groups on both sides of the debate have used the case to push for clearer industry standards and better protections for all parties involved in productions.
For fans of the bestselling book, the drama has tainted what was once a beloved story of resilience and love. Many readers express disappointment that the film’s important message about domestic violence has been overshadowed by the off-screen conflict.
As the legal battle continues, both Lively and Baldoni face the challenge of rebuilding their public images while protecting their families. Insiders say private settlement discussions have occurred but no agreement has been reached, with both sides dug in on matters of principle and reputation.
The $60 million lawsuit represents more than financial stakes — it has become a proxy for larger conversations about accountability, power and truth in Hollywood. For Lively and Baldoni, the personal cost appears far greater than any monetary figure. As one source close to the production summarized, “This fight has drained everyone involved. At this point, both sides just want it to end, but pride and principle keep it going.”
The coming months will likely bring more filings, potential depositions and continued media attention. For now, the two stars navigate their separate paths, forever linked by a film that promised healing but delivered one of Hollywood’s most contentious chapters in recent years. The toll, as those close to the situation confirm, has been profound on both sides.
IUX Hits $1.5 Trillion Monthly Volume, Upgrading Infrastructure on the "Trader’s Edge"
Asia FX, dollar steady as US-Iran tensions intensify; CPI data ahead
Business
NLC India drops 3% even as gov OFS draws robust institutional demand; retail window opens today
Non-retail investors bid for over 13.03 crore shares worth Rs 4,158 crore, as against a base offer size of 2.49 crore shares reserved for them.
Shares of the Navratna PSU company tumbled more than 3% to trade at Rs 316.6 apiece on NSE.
NLC India announced on Monday that the government aims to sell 2% of the company’s total paid-up equity capital, or 2.78 crore shares, as part of the base offer.
The government also retained an oversubscription option to sell an additional 1% stake or 1.39 crore shares, taking the total potential offer size to 4.17 crore shares or 3% equity. At the floor price of Rs 303 per share, this would be worth around Rs 1,263.51 crore.
In an exchange filing released on Tuesday, NLC India said that the government will exercise the oversubscription option to sell up to 1.39 crore shares, in addition to the 2.77 crore shares that were part of the base offer. 10% of the equity shares offered in the OFS, which stands at nearly 41.52 lakh, will be available for retail investors today, subject to receipt of valid offers, the company said.
“Additionally, up to 25,000 equity shares may be offered to the eligible employees of the company…The eligible employees may apply for equity shares up to Rs 500,000. However, any bids by eligible employees will be considered for allocation, in the first instance, for an amount up to Rs 200,000 only,” it said.Also read: NLC India OFS over-subscribed 5 times, institutional buyers put in Rs 4,158 cr bids
NLC India, formerly known as Neyveli Lignite Corporation, is among India’s leading mining and power generation companies. It operates lignite mines and thermal power stations while also expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The company has emerged as a beneficiary of India’s rising power demand and the government’s focus on energy security. In recent years, the company has diversified beyond lignite mining into solar and other renewable energy projects as part of its long-term growth strategy.
NLC India shareholding pattern
The Central government owned a 72.20% stake in NLC India, according to data on the company’s shareholding pattern as on March 31, 2026. A total of 22 mutual funds held around 9.5% stake in NLC India, while Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and SBI Life Insurance each held around 2% stake.
NLC India’s OFS comes as the government ramps up its disinvestment efforts. Recently, the government offloaded some of its stake in Coal India, NHPC and other PSU companies.
NLC India share price
NLC India shares have fallen around 8% in one week and 3% in one month. The stock is overall up around 25% in 2026 so far. In the longer term, the shares of the PSU have delivered 33% returns over one year, 220% over three years and 396% over five years. The company currently has a market capitalisation of nearly Rs 44,303 crore.
NLC India has maintained a track record of returning cash to shareholders through regular dividends. The company has declared 43 dividends since August 2000, and currently has a dividend yield of 1.6%, according to data on Trendlyne.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
According to the company, the proposed venture will manufacture and supply Optical Transceiver-SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable), BOSA (Bidirectional Optical Subassembly), and other telecom products that the parties mutually agree upon from time to time.
The proposed transaction will use a mutually agreed structure where Dixon Technologies will hold 60% of Dixon Electroconnect’s total paid-up share capital, while Gemtek will hold the remaining 40% stake upon completion.
The transaction remains subject to executing definitive agreements, fulfilling customary conditions precedent, and receiving applicable statutory, regulatory and other required approvals.
In its statement, Dixon said the proposed joint venture would focus on manufacturing optical transceivers, BOSA modules and networking equipment. The company stated that the partnership combines Dixon’s manufacturing capabilities with Gemtek’s experience in optical modules, telecom infrastructure and networking technologies.
Gemtek, in its statement, said the joint venture is part of its expansion in optical communication and aims to address demand related to high-speed networks and data centre infrastructure.
The company also stated that Dixon Electroconnect’s participation as a beneficiary under the ECMS is expected to support the proposed venture. The partnership is intended to operate in segments linked to data centres, telecom infrastructure, optical connectivity, cloud computing, edge computing and networking applications.Dixon Technologies reported a consolidated net profit at Rs 256 crore in the March-ended quarter versus Rs 401 crore in the year-ago period, implying a 36% fall. The profit after tax (PAT) was attributable to the company’s owners. The company’s revenue from operations in Q4FY26 was up 2% to Rs 10,511 crore versus Rs 10,293 crore posted in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.
Meanwhile, the company’s total income grew 3% year-on-year to Rs 10,595 crore versus Rs 10,304 crore in Q4FY25. It included other income of Rs 84 crore compared to Rs 11 crore in the year-ago period.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Develop Global’s Sulphur Springs and Pioneer Dome projects were both greenlit by the company’s board on Wednesday.
Premier Roger Cook and Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia have failed to allay speculation that the minister will retire from parliament in coming weeks.
Morning Bid: Nervous but not yet panicking
Afya's Recent National Exam Scores Are Worrying
CleanMax will develop and operate the new renewable energy capacity, which includes large-scale solar and wind projects. Meta will purchase 100% of the environmental attributes from these projects. The renewable energy initiatives support Meta’s efforts to add new generation capacity to the grid and advance its goal of matching its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy.
“The announcement builds on an existing relationship between the two companies and reflects the growing role of innovative corporate procurement models in accelerating India’s energy transition,” a company press release said.
Kuldeep Jain, Founder and Managing Director of CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions Limited, said, “Meta connects billions of people every day through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads while helping shape the future of digital and AI infrastructure. We are thrilled to partner with Meta. Every generation builds infrastructure that defines its future. For us, that infrastructure is increasingly digital, AI-driven, and interconnected. It must also be powered by clean energy. We look forward to supporting Meta’s renewable energy ambitions while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.”
Sensex, Nifty today: Catch all the LIVE stock market action here
Amanda Yang, Head of Clean and Renewable Energy at Meta, said, “These agreements represent meaningful progress in supporting our renewable energy goals in the region. We’re pleased to continue working with CleanMax to help bring new renewable energy capacity onto the grid in India and support the growth of the country’s clean energy ecosystem.”
CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions is India’s largest pure-play commercial and industrial renewable energy company, with more than 15 years of operations. The company’s contracted renewable energy portfolio reached 5.7 GW in FY25, with approximately 74% of new contracted capacity driven by existing customers, reflecting strong retention and long-term business visibility.
The West Perth real estate business has consolidated its brands after acquiring three property companies in the past two-and-a-half years.
IUX Hits $1.5 Trillion Monthly Volume, Upgrading Infrastructure on the "Trader’s Edge"
Kraken Joins FIFA World Cup 2026 as Crypto Exchange Sponsor
Only 5 MCU Heroes Are Smarter Than Tony Stark
-
Fashion4 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Evereve – Corporette.com
-
Crypto World5 days agoJensen Huang Approves Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron for NVIDIA (NVDA) HBM4 Memory Supply
-
Crypto World2 days agoAnatomy of the June crypto crash: Fed, Iran, Saylor
-
Entertainment3 days agoThe Best Mystery Series of All Time Is Surging on Streaming 30 Years After It Ended
-
Crypto World3 days agoSenator Cynthia Lummis Calls CLARITY Act the Most Consequential Financial Legislation of This Generation
-
NewsBeat2 days agoAlexander Zverev wins the French Open to finally earn a 1st Grand Slam title
-
Tech5 days agoMicrosoft launches MXC, an OS-level sandbox for AI agents, with OpenAI and Nvidia already on board
-
Tech4 days agoSuspicious Polyfill login prompts pop up on Toshiba, Muji websites
-
Tech3 days agoMicrosoft unveils seven homegrown AI models in new bid for ‘long term self-sufficiency’
-
Business3 days agoThe Pain Points Taking a Fragile Tech Rally Down a Notch
-
Crypto World5 days ago
LBank Surpasses 25 Million Users Worldwide as AFA Partnership Continues to Drive Global Growth
-
Business5 days ago(VIDEO) Justin Bieber Delivers Surprise Happy Birthday Serenade to Diners at Los Angeles Mexican Restaurant
-
Crypto World3 days agoTrump’s AI Ownership Plan Could Benefit Anthropic at OpenAI’s Expense
-
Sports13 hours agoBangladesh beat Australia after 20 years in ODIs, register only their second win over six-time world champions | Cricket News
-
Tech5 days agoMeta steals a tactic from Tesla and builds data centers in tents
-
Crypto World2 days agoEli Lilly (LLY) Stock Surges 4% Following Breakthrough Sleep Apnea Trial Results
-
Tech5 days agoRCS Messages Between iPhone and Android Get End-to-End Encryption With iOS 26.5
-
Tech4 days agoVon der Leyen’s AI envoy pick draws conflict-of-interest fire
-
Tech4 days agoHackers now exploit SolarWinds Serv-U flaw to crash servers
-
Business2 days agoWall Street ends sharply lower as chips stocks slide
You must be logged in to post a comment Login