Colleen Hoover, the acclaimed author behind the bestselling novel *It Ends With Us*, recently shared her thoughts on the ongoing legal turmoil surrounding its film adaptation, which premiered in August 2024. The adaptation features Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, with Baldoni also serving as the director. The film’s success has been overshadowed by a lawsuit filed by Lively against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, a claim that Baldoni has denied.
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In a candid exchange on Jenna Bush Hager’s *Open Book* podcast, Hoover reflected on the dichotomy of her pride in the film and the discomfort of its associated legal disputes. “It is difficult, but it’s becoming easier to separate the two,” she explained. Despite the shadow cast by the ongoing legal proceedings, Hoover expressed her gratitude for the film’s reception and the connection it has fostered with its audience. “I am so proud of that movie; everyone involved did an outstanding job,” she added, highlighting the importance of focusing on the positive impact the story has had on viewers.
The lawsuit was filed by Lively in December 2024, just months after the film’s release, and the case is set to be heard in court on May 18. The developments in this legal battle have led to significant media attention, prompting Hoover to admit that it has been “unfortunate” for her work to be ensnared in such drama. Yet, she remains optimistic, finding it essential to celebrate the success of the film and the experiences that came with its production.
Previously, Hoover had articulated her discomfort with recommending her novel amidst the public scrutiny linked to the lawsuit. Speaking to *Elle* magazine in November 2025, she expressed embarrassment about her association with the book, stating, “I can’t even recommend it anymore. I feel like [the lawsuit] has overshadowed it.” This sentiment resonated with her experiences amid the surging popularity of BookTok and the whirlwind changes in her public profile following the rise in her book’s visibility.
Now, however, Hoover notes a shift in her perspective. She explained how the turbulence around the film and its promotion initially affected her enthusiasm for discussing her work. Yet, she has since adjusted to the changing landscape of her life as a writer and has learned to focus more on her supporters. “I’ve kind of grown accustomed to it and just know to focus on the people who are there to support me,” she commented during her podcast appearance.
Amid the complicated backdrop of legal proceedings and public discourse, Hoover remains committed to celebrating the success of *It Ends With Us*. The novel, which has resonated deeply with readers since its release, continues to be an integral part of her identity as an author. “For me, I’m very proud of that film,” she reiterated.
The film and the discussions surrounding it have brought increased attention not only to Hoover’s work but also to the themes explored within it. *It Ends With Us* deals with heavy topics, including relationships, resilience, and the complexities of personal experiences. This has helped galvanise a loyal fanbase that Hoover is keen to engage with positively.
As developments in the court case unfold, Hoover remains hopeful about the film’s legacy and the message it conveys. Her journey illustrates the challenges artists face when their work becomes intertwined with external controversies but also highlights their resilience and ability to find solace in their artistic achievements. Whether or not the legal issues will overshadow *It Ends With Us* in the long run remains to be seen, but for the moment, Hoover’s focus remains on the film’s success and the contributions it continues to make to her life and the lives of others.