COLEEN HOOVER REPORTEDLY TOLD JUSTIN BALDONI SHE WAS 'DISAPOINTED' AND 'FELT FORCED' TO PICK BETWEEN HIM AND BLAKE LIVELY

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Colleen Hoover allegedly told Justin Baldoni she felt "forced" to take sides in his dispute with Blake Lively over *It Ends With Us*, according to newly revealed text messages filed as part of an ongoing legal battle. The bestselling author, who wrote the novel and served as an executive producer on the film, reportedly expressed frustration over the growing tension between the two stars, writing to Baldoni in August 2024 that she felt isolated and disappointed. "It just feels like I'm on an island here," Hoover allegedly texted, adding that she didn't want to choose sides but was left with no choice.

She described the situation as "upsetting and ridiculous," saying it made everyone involved look immature. Hoover allegedly told Baldoni that while she understood he believed her decisions were influenced by Lively, she had sensed a rift long before speaking with the actress. She also expressed personal disappointment, reportedly writing, "I have been disappointed personally by your actions many times. I appreciate that you haven't said anything negative, but you are grown men with a platform. You know how to use it to protect your image. Please don't continue to use it to harm me or mine."

The texts were part of a declaration filed by Baldoni's company, Wayfarer, on November 10. People reached out to Hoover's representatives for comment. The legal feud stems from Lively's $160 million lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliation, and leading a smear campaign against her. Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a $400 million countersuit, which has since been dismissed. The case is expected to go to trial in New York in March. In December 2024, Hoover publicly supported Lively, praising her honesty and kindness in an Instagram post after the lawsuit became public.

Baldoni and Wayfarer have now filed a motion requesting the judge to rule in their favor without proceeding to trial. The author was deposed earlier this year in the case, which has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile names involved. Hoover's upcoming novel Woman Down, set to release in January, tells the story of an author facing a viral backlash after a failed film adaptation,a premise that mirrors her current real-life controversy.