New court documents have recently been unsealed, shedding light on the ongoing legal drama surrounding the movie “It Ends With Us” and the actions of some Sony executives. According to these court documents obtained by Us Weekly, several Sony executives expressed their thoughts on the negative publicity surrounding Blake Lively and her involvement in the controversy.
Sony President Sanford Panitch was quoted in the court documents as saying that the backlash against Blake Lively, particularly regarding her Blake Brown haircare line, was a result of her own actions. Panitch mentioned that Lively could have avoided the negative attention if she had listened to advice and acted differently during the promotion of her products.
Additionally, Sony CEO Tom Rothman also allegedly commented that while Lively did not deserve the backlash she received, she had brought it upon herself by not heeding advice and promoting her products in a certain way.
The court documents also revealed that Tahra Grant, the Executive VP and Chief Communications Officer at Sony, accused Lively of orchestrating drama in an unprofessional manner and now facing the consequences of her actions.
However, not all Sony executives were critical of Lively. Josh Greenstein, the Sony Motion Picture Group President, praised Lively for her dedication to the film “It Ends With Us” and her efforts to improve the final cut of the movie. Greenstein commended Lively’s creativity and hard work in elevating the marketing campaign for the film.
Amidst the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who both starred in and directed “It Ends With Us” respectively, new evidence continues to emerge. Lively filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging sexual harassment, which Baldoni denied. Baldoni countersued Lively, but his lawsuit was dismissed, and a civil trial is scheduled to begin soon.
The unsealed court documents provide insight into the behind-the-scenes turmoil surrounding the movie and the personal interactions between the cast and Sony executives. Despite the drama and controversy, “It Ends With Us” was praised for its success at the box office, highlighting the talent and dedication of the cast and crew involved in the film. Blake Lively’s decision not to attend the New York City premiere of “It Ends With Us” raises some valid points that many can relate to. The actress, along with director and costar Justin Baldoni, had put in a massive effort into the film, only to face a legal battle over alleged sexual harassment.
The tension between Lively and Baldoni escalated into multiple lawsuits in 2025, with Lively filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department and suing Baldoni over the harassment allegations. The legal battle shed light on the behind-the-scenes struggles that often go unnoticed in the entertainment industry.
At the premiere, where Lively, Hoover, and Baldoni were all present, the atmosphere must have been tense. It’s understandable why Lively may not have wanted to share a celebratory moment with someone she had a falling out with, especially when credit and accolades were at stake.
The unsealed court documents revealed that the Sony/Lively cut of the film was chosen for release and became a massive success, earning over $80 million in its opening weekend and over $351 million worldwide. The evidence showed that Lively worked closely with author Colleen Hoover on the cut, and the film went on to make hundreds of millions for Sony and Wayfarer.
In light of these revelations, it’s easy to see why Lively may have felt conflicted about attending the premiere. Seeing someone else take credit for her hard work and having to share the spotlight with someone she couldn’t celebrate with would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Ultimately, Lively’s decision not to attend the premiere speaks to the complexities of navigating professional relationships in the entertainment industry. It’s a reminder that behind every successful film, there are often untold stories of struggle and conflict that can overshadow the glamour of the red carpet.
