Justin Baldoni Enlists Crisis PR Amid Alleged Rift with Blake Lively. The internet has been abuzz with rumors of a rift between Blake Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. According to The Hollywood Reporter. Justin has taken a significant step to manage the situation by hiring veteran crisis PR manager Melissa Nathan, known for her work with Johnny Depp during his highly publicized legal battle with Amber Heard.
The Origins of the Rift
The alleged tension between Blake and Justin reportedly began during the post-production phase of It Ends With Us. Blake, who is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, brought in Shane Reid, the editor for Deadpool and Wolverine, to create a cut of the film. This version differed significantly from the one Justin had commissioned, leading to creative disagreements. Additionally, rumors suggest that Justin’s behavior on set made Blake uncomfortable, further straining their professional relationship.
The PR Strategy: Justin Baldoni Enlists Crisis PR, In response to the escalating drama, Justin Baldoni has enlisted the help of Melissa Nathan to manage the crisis. Melissa’s expertise in handling high-profile cases, such as Johnny Depp’s, makes her a strategic choice for navigating the current turmoil. While Justin’s situation is not as severe as Depp’s, the internet chatter and media scrutiny are intensifying daily.
Promotional Challenges
The tension between the co-stars became apparent when they avoided joint interviews and were not seen together at the New York premiere of It Ends With Us. This absence fueled speculation about their strained relationship. Despite these challenges, the film opened to an impressive $50 million at the North American box office last weekend, far exceeding expectations.
In recent interviews, Justin has been vocal about Blake’s significant contribution to the film. He emphasized that he took a backseat during the filming to allow female voices, like Blake’s, to take charge. This approach aligns with the film’s focus on sensitive issues such as domestic abuse, which are central to the story.
Financial Success and Future Prospects
It Ends With Us was produced on a modest budget of $25 million and is expected to turn a significant profit. For co-financers Columbia Pictures and Wayfarer Studios. Blake Lively, who also serves as a co-producer. She also stars as Lily Bloom, a Boston florist torn between two men, played by Justin Baldoni and Brandon Sklenar.