Colleen Hoover’s 2016 best-selling novel “It Ends With Us” got here to life in 2024 when Justin Baldoni and Blake Energetic starred within the film adaptation of the ebook.
Nevertheless, the authorized struggle that ensued between Baldoni and Energetic after the film’s launch was one thing Hoover couldn’t anticipate, and within the midst of the back-and-forth between the 2 stars, the author deactivated her Instagram account, in accordance with Individuals journal.
Upon her return to the platform, the writer purportedly eliminated images from her profile which included the celebs of the movie regardless of beforehand exhibiting assist for Energetic someday after the “Gossip Girl” star filed a criticism towards Baldoni, 41, the outlet reported.
Since resuming her social presence, followers have flocked to Hoover’s web page with calls for for not solely an apology to Baldoni, but additionally threats to boycott her future tasks, which embody a film within the works with Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett.
“It Ends With Us” author Colleen Hoover received backlash upon her return to social media amid Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle. (Getty Images)
It’s unclear how Hoover’s upcoming works, including the film adaptation of her “Verity” novel, will be perceived by fans. Ryan McCormick, reputation management expert and managing partner at Goldman McCormick PR, exclusively told Fox News Digital that only time will tell how Hoover’s fan base will react.
“I don’t foresee anyway that Hoover’s career is not affected in some way by Lively and Baldoni’s war,” McCormick said. “She’s an accomplished author with a large readership. The question being posed to her followers is, ‘Are you going to dump Colleen, whose books have greatly entertained you, over a situation completely beyond her control?’ Some might, however I do not suppose the bulk will.”
McCormick famous that Hoover’s finest wager is to remain “completely out of this heated affair.”
Blake Energetic appeared with Colleen Hoover at an “It Ends With Us” screening. (Eric Charbonneau/Getty Photos)
“Don’t mention Lively or Baldoni for the foreseeable future,” he mentioned.
Along with “Verity,” the writer has “Regretting You” slated for a 2025 launch, starring Allison Williams, McKenna Grace and Dave Franco. McCormick had doubts any stars would concern working with Hoover regardless of the Energetic-Baldoni drama.
“I don’t foresee anyway that Hoover’s career is not affected in some way by Lively and Baldoni’s war. She’s an accomplished author with a large readership.”
“If public backlash were to substantially increase toward Hoover, I can see the hesitancy of some celebrities,” McCormick mentioned. “However, she had nothing to do with this titanic clash.”
BLAKE LIVELY VS. JUSTIN BALDONI: EVERYTHING TO KNOW
Baldoni secured the rights to Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” by means of his Wayfarer Studios manufacturing banner in 2019, and signed on to not solely direct the movie but additionally star within the film within the lead position of Ryle Kincaid.
Justin Baldoni not solely starred within the movie adaptation of the novel, but additionally directed the film. (Getty Photos)
Energetic filed a criticism towards Baldoni in December after rumors of an on-set feud on “It Ends With Us.” (Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Photos)
After rumored stress between the pair peaked following the summer time 2024 press tour, Energetic filed a proper criticism in December 2024. At some point later, Hoover publicly supported Blake on her Instagram tales.
“@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt,” Hoover wrote along with a photograph hugging Energetic from a screening of the movie, in accordance with Individuals.
Hoover quietly stepped away from social media following Energetic’s formal criticism and subsequent federal lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, which was shortly adopted up by Baldoni’s $400 million defamation swimsuit.
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When her profile grew to become public as soon as once more and a sequel, “It Starts With Us,” was within the works, customers started to query why Hoover hadn’t backed Baldoni.
Colleen Hoover was named one in every of Time’s 100 most influential folks in 2023. (Jennifer Mitchell for Fox Information Digital)
“You don’t deserve the privilege of the job and platform you have – you have massively abused your position to contribute towards disgraceful and bullying treatment of JB. Your silence is deafening. The fact you haven’t apologised to JB yet is astounding,” one fan wrote. “Top tip! Speak up. Admit your mistakes. People will respect you more if you do.”
One other consumer added, “Feeling a bit stressed lately by all the negative attention? Now imagine if you were falsely accused of sexual harassment, after being blackmailed and extorted to give up something you worked on with all your heart for years. Yeah. Maybe admitting you were wrong is the least you could do.”
“I won’t be seeing another one of movies otherwise!!!” one follower acknowledged, whereas one other wrote, “Boycotting all Colleen Hoover until she publicly apologizes to JB.”
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Adrienne Uthe, founder and strategic advisor for Kronus Communications, completely instructed Fox Information Digital that Hoover must be strategic together with her subsequent strikes now that she’s again within the public eye.
Blake Energetic starred as Lily Bloom in “It Ends With Us.” (Gotham)
“She initially backed Blake Lively, but has since pulled back,” Uthe mentioned. “If she doesn’t maintain a neutral stance, this could impact future projects. A full apology isn’t necessary, but a public statement clarifying her neutrality could help. Right now, she appears firmly on Blake’s side, which may not be the best look.”
“If she doesn’t maintain a neutral stance, this could impact future projects. A full apology isn’t necessary, but a public statement clarifying her neutrality could help.”
With regards to Hoover’s profession, Uthe is not too involved with what she believed was a “personal misstep.”
“This seems more like a personal misstep than a long-term career issue,” Uthe mentioned. “She likely got swept up in the Hollywood allure of Blake and Ryan, but at the end of the day, she wants to make good films.”
