Blake Lively felt 'uneasy' and 'fat-shamed' by Justin Baldoni on set as 'It Ends With Us' feud rumors grow

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On the set of 'It Ends With Us', what should have been just another day of filming turned into an uncomfortable experience for Blake Lively.

The actress reportedly felt 'fat-shamed' by co-star Justin Baldoni during the production and later found herself uneasy during a kissing scene, where she believed Baldoni 'lingered' longer than necessary.

Blake Lively felt 'fat-shamed' by Justin Baldoni

In a scene that required Justin Baldoni to lift Blake Lively into the air, the moment that should have been just another take reportedly turned into something far more uncomfortable.

According to TMZ, the situation took a problematic turn when Baldoni, dealing with back issues, sought guidance from a trainer.

Concerned about preventing injury, the 40-year-old actor allegedly inquired about Lively’s weight—a question that insiders say left the 36-year-old actress feeling 'fat-shamed'.

What began as a routine preparation for a physically demanding scene soon became a point of tension on set, adding fuel to the swirling rumors of discord between the two stars.

TMZ sources have revealed another troubling moment from the movie set.

During a kissing scene between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Lively reportedly felt uncomfortable, believing Baldoni 'lingered' longer than necessary.

This incident, combined with other reported tensions between the lead, has added to the growing speculation about the strained dynamics between the two stars.

Some suggest that Baldoni, who also directed 'It Ends With Us', isn’t the clear villain in this narrative, with several cast members rallying to his defense.

Others believe the whispers of a rift might be exaggerated to stir up buzz for the film, according to Daily Mail. 

Representatives for both Lively and Baldoni have yet to comment, leaving fans to speculate on what truly transpired behind the scenes of this much-anticipated movie.

As rumors of a feud continue to swirl, Baldoni has taken decisive action by enlisting the expertise of crisis PR guru Melissa Nathan, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Amid mounting tensions, Baldoni’s decision to hire a crisis management firm signals how serious the situation has become.

Insiders reveal growing rift between movie cast and director Justin Baldoni

But the rift extends beyond just Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.

People reported that the friction has spread to the film's principal cast and even Colleen Hoover, the bestselling author whose book inspired the movie.

According to insiders, Hoover and the core cast are distancing themselves from Baldoni, with some suggesting that "all is not what it seems" regarding his role in the turmoil on set.

“There is much more to this story,” a source revealed to People, shedding light on the growing rift.

While Baldoni has faced claims of "creative differences" with some collaborators, a source close to him insists that the tension has been "overblown." However, rumors persist that Blake Lively has her sights set on directing the next installment, potentially sidelining Baldoni and securing the rights from Hoover herself.

Adding to the speculation, Baldoni's absence from full cast photos at the film's New York City premiere on August 6 didn’t go unnoticed.

At the AMC Lincoln Square event, Baldoni chose to pose only with his wife Emily Baldoni, family members, and producers, avoiding group shots with the cast.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni watch premiere in 'two separate theaters'

According to Page Six, multiple sources have described the environment as "extremely difficult" for both the cast and crew, with Blake Lively feeling particularly "uncomfortable" during filming.

One insider revealed that the cast didn’t enjoy working with Baldoni, and the strain was evident at the premiere, where the actors reportedly avoided interacting with him.

In fact, Lively and Baldoni watched the film in "two separate theaters" at the venue, highlighting the growing divide between the director and his leading lady.

Sources close to Baldoni have defended him, insisting he "would never intentionally make his cast feel unsupported."

However, the fallout from this project could have lasting repercussions.

Reportedly, the strained relationship might influence future endeavors, as Baldoni could step back from directing the sequel, 'It Starts With Us', based on Colleen Hoover’s follow-up novel.

In a red carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight at the premiere, Baldoni, whose production company Wayfarer Studios holds the rights to the book, hinted at distancing himself from directing a sequel, leaving the future of the franchise shrouded in uncertainty.