Director Paul Feig Stands by Blake Lively Amid Legal Battle
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Director Paul Feig has once again demonstrated his support for actress Blake Lively amidst an ongoing legal dispute. The pair, who previously collaborated on the film “A Simple Favor,” are currently entangled in a lawsuit with Jason Baldoni, the director and co-star of “It Ends With Us.”
The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival recently announced that the sequel to “A Simple Favor,” now titled “Another Simple Favor,” is set to premiere at the festival in Austin, Texas on March 7. Responding to a question on Instagram about the film’s version, Feig asserted that it is his cut, dismissing rumors of multiple edits and praising Lively as a fantastic collaborator.
The Instagram query alluded to speculation that different cuts of “It Ends With Us” were created, one under Baldoni’s direction and another commissioned by Lively. This controversy stems from Baldoni’s accusations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory campaign against Lively, leading to dueling lawsuits between the two parties.
Lively filed her lawsuit against Baldoni and the producers on December 21, prompting Baldoni to counter with a $400 million lawsuit against her, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and the PR firm associated with them. The legal battle is slated for hearings starting in March 2026.
Feig has been vocally supportive of Lively throughout the tumultuous legal proceedings, emphasising her professionalism, creativity, and kindness. In a statement following the Times report on Lively’s initial complaint, he condemned the smear campaign against her, asserting that she did not deserve such treatment.
Addressing rumours about delays in the release of “Another Simple Favor,” Feig dispelled the misinformation, confirming that the movie was completed and on schedule for its impending premiere. The sequel reunites Lively with her co-stars from the original film, including Anna Kendrick and Henry Golding, against the backdrop of a murder at Emily’s wedding in Capri, Italy.
The original “A Simple Favor,” based on Darcey Bell’s novel, was a commercial success for Lively and is considered one of her career highlights. The sequel is set to stream on Prime Video from May 1, offering fans a continuation of the thriller that captivated audiences in 2018.
The ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has drawn significant attention, with Feig’s unwavering support of his leading lady adding a layer of solidarity amidst the controversy. As the entertainment industry eagerly anticipates the premiere of “Another Simple Favor,” the outcome of the lawsuits remains uncertain, leaving fans and critics alike speculating on the future of the involved parties’ professional relationships.