Blake Lively is calling out The Hollywood Reporter for what she and her team deem an offensive

and misleading cover image amid her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni. 

The actress, 37, took issue with the magazine’s recent publication, 

which depicted her launching a slingshot at Baldoni, a visual that her spokesperson called “outrageously insulting.”

Lively’s Strong Response to the Controversial Cover

In a statement given to The Daily Mail, Lively’s representative didn’t hold back in criticizing The Hollywood Reporter for 

what they see as a harmful portrayal of women who speak out against workplace misconduct.

“The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself,” the statement read. “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 illustration, which accompanied an in-depth article about Lively and Baldoni’s ongoing legal dispute, sparked immediate backlash. Many supporters of the Gossip Girl alum argue that the cover trivializes her claims and shifts the narrative in a way that paints her as the antagonist.

Examining the Hollywood Reporter’s Article

The Hollywood Reporter’s article delved into Baldoni’s Baha’i faith and how it may have influenced his behavior on set. The piece questioned whether some of Lively’s allegations—including Baldoni allegedly making inappropriate comments and engaging in unwanted physical interactions—could be chalked up to cultural differences rather than outright misconduct.

“What if much of it—the alleged inappropriate hugging and pre-filming praying—could be explained as a clash between a very specific faith-driven community with its unique mores, and a much more modern, post-#MeToo one with its own set of beliefs and commandments?” the article posed.

This angle did not sit well with Lively or her representatives, who saw it as an attempt to excuse alleged misconduct.

“The story is extremely offensive as it incredibly seems to explain away documented examples of sexual harassment and retaliation by calling them ‘cultural misunderstandings,’” her rep continued.

Lively’s Harassment Allegations Against Baldoni

Lively has remained steadfast in her claims that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior while working on It Ends With Us. In a recent amended complaint, she reiterated that the Jane the Virgin actor-director exhibited “creepy” behavior on set, such as allegedly asking invasive questions about her relationship with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

She also claimed that multiple other women who worked on the film felt uncomfortable due to Baldoni’s actions. Though actress Jenny Slate has not commented publicly, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that she allegedly filed a human resources complaint against Baldoni as well.

Baldoni, for his part, has denied all accusations. In response, he has filed a countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane, for $400 million, alleging extortion, defamation, and other legal claims.

A Legal Battle Far From Over

With lawsuits filed on both sides, this legal battle is far from reaching a resolution. The cases have been consolidated, with a trial date tentatively set for March 9, 2026. Despite the court’s encouragement for mediation, both parties have rejected settlement discussions, stating that negotiations would be “premature.”

As the case progresses, Lively and Baldoni continue to stand firm in their opposing narratives. Lively, through her legal team, has called Baldoni’s countersuit “another chapter in the abuser playbook.” Meanwhile, Baldoni maintains his innocence, stating that he has been unfairly targeted and misrepresented.

Public Reaction and Industry Impact

The Hollywood Reporter’s portrayal of Lively and Baldoni’s feud has ignited a larger discussion about media bias in covering cases involving powerful men and women in Hollywood. Supporters of Lively argue that the cover image reinforces damaging stereotypes, depicting women who come forward with allegations as vindictive or overreacting.

On the other hand, some have defended The Hollywood Reporter, suggesting that the article attempted to provide a broader context to the situation rather than taking a definitive stance.

Regardless of the publication’s intent, the backlash highlights the sensitivity surrounding cases of workplace harassment and how the media’s framing of such stories can influence public perception.

What’s Next for Lively and Baldoni?

With a court battle looming in 2026, both actors will likely continue to fight their cases aggressively. In the meantime, the fallout from The Hollywood Reporter cover adds another layer of controversy to an already heated dispute.

While it remains to be seen how the trial will unfold, one thing is clear: Blake Lively is not backing down, and she’s making sure that both the media and the legal system take her allegations seriously.

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