As Blake Lively sues It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, Perez Hilton has claimed to have debunked an online theory into the reason behind it.
Two years ago, the duo landed the lead roles in the film based on the best-selling book by US author Colleen Hoover. However, despite previously praising each other in interviews, there were fallout rumours by the time the film was released. Blake, 37, and Justin, 40, later refused to promote the film together, instead doing red carpet photos and interviews separately.
Blake has since filed a shock sexual harassment lawsuit claiming Justin, who is married and has two children, behaved inappropriately towards her and other members of the cast and crew. This included claims he allowed his 'friends' to watch her film certain sex scenes, as well as adding sexual scenes she hadn't approved to the film. Justin has denied the claims and called the lawsuit a "desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation" following a backlash over Blake's own behaviour.
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WWD via Getty Images)Now, Perez Hilton has had his say. The media personality took to TikTok to share his thoughts and claimed Blake, who is married to Ryan Reynolds, made a "big mistake". Speaking to his followers, he said: "Two very important points that I keep thinking of. First... Justin Baldoni directed and starred in the movie and he also acquired the rights to the book. His production company took this to Sony and Sony ended up financing the film."
He said it was Sony's decision to then bring Blake in to the production. He went on to claim to have seen speculation claiming the lawsuit could be a tactic to try to get Blake the rights to the second book that Justin currently has. However, he doesn't agree with this, adding: "What incentive does Justin Baldoni have now after she's already sued him? What incentive does he have to sell her the rights? The damage is done."
Perez went on the brand the franchise "tainted" and said it would be a mistake to make any further movies from the series. He said he believes the value has plummeted due to the ongoing saga before. He went on to say it was "interesting" that Blake didn't sue Sony too.
Blake previously faced a backlash over the way she promoted the film with fans calling her 'tone deaf' for not acknowledging the deeper domestic abuse themes and missing an opportunity to raise awareness. While she promoted it on social media, a clip of Blake went viral as she told fans: "Grab your friends, wear your florals, and head out to see it" - with some saying her statement was at odds with the dark subject matter of the movie.
Following the backlash, Blake is said to have been in fear it could damage her career. A source told DailyMail.com in August: "Blake is definitely saddened by the hate she is getting and is trying not to let it affect her, but it is.
"She thought this was her moment to shine, but is now looking at it like the end of her career. She’s fearing no one will want to work with her after this. She really wants to continue producing and directing and acting, but she knows she needs to take a step back for a minute to reassess the future."