Judd Apatow Slams ‘It Ends With Us’ As ‘Such a Terrible Movie’ During 2025 DGA Awards Monologue

Judd Apatow Criticizes "It Ends With Us" at the DGA Awards

Judd Apatow, the renowned director behind Bridesmaids and other comedy classics, made headlines at the 77th Annual Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards on February 8, 2024, with a biting critique of the upcoming film It Ends With Us. Starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the movie has been marred by controversy, including a highly publicized legal battle between its lead actors. Apatow took the stage to deliver the event’s opening monologue and wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room.

Apatow’s remarks were sharp and irreverent, poking fun at the film’s reputation. He quipped, “I loved Wicked. I saw it four times in the first four days. It was the highest-grossing movie musical of all time. Do you know that? Usually, to make that much money, you have to sue Blake Lively.” The audience erupted in laughter, but Apatow didn’t stop there. He went on to criticize the attention surrounding It Ends With Us, calling it “terrible” and expressing confusion over why so much focus was being placed on a film he clearly didn’t think was worth the hype.

The Legal Drama Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni

The real-life drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has overshadowed the film itself, with the two actors embroiled in a heated legal battle. The situation first came to light on December 20, 2023, when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” on the set of It Ends With Us. Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a countersuit on January 16, 2025, accusing Lively of defamation and attempting to sabotage his career.

The legal drama took another twist earlier this month when Jed Wallace and his crisis PR firm, Street Relations Inc., sued Lively. According to legal documents obtained by Us Weekly, Wallace’s company alleged that Lively had included them in her initial accusations against Baldoni, causing damage to their reputation. Lively’s legal team responded swiftly, calling the lawsuit a “publicity stunt” and “transparent retaliation” for her speaking out against sexual harassment. Her attorneys emphasized that the lawsuit would be dismissed and expressed satisfaction that Wallace was now being held accountable in federal court.

The Fallout and Its Implications

The initial lawsuit filed by Lively stemmed from a reported rift between her and Baldoni that had been building for months. According to documents obtained by TMZ and The New York Times, Lively alleged that Baldoni’s behavior had caused her “severe emotional distress” and created a “hostile work environment” on set. A meeting was reportedly held to address these concerns, attended by several individuals, including Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds.

Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, immediately dismissed the allegations as “categorically false.” However, the fallout has already had significant consequences. Talent agency WME, which represents both Lively and Reynolds, dropped Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios. Additionally, the cohost of Baldoni’s Man Enough Podcast left the show shortly after the allegations surfaced.

In an attempt to defend himself, Baldoni filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times on New Year’s Eve, accusing the outlet of cherry-picking and misrepresenting communications to paint him in a negative light. Just weeks later, he filed another federal lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging defamation and claiming that the couple had conspired to ruin his career during the filming of It Ends With Us.

The Broader Implications for Hollywood and Beyond

The ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has raised important questions about power dynamics, accountability, and the challenges of addressing workplace misconduct in Hollywood. The case has drawn widespread attention, not just because of the high-profile actors involved, but also because it highlights the complexities of navigating allegations of harassment and retaliation in the entertainment industry.

Lively’s legal team has framed her actions as a courageous stand against sexual harassment, emphasizing that her decision to speak out has led to a wave of retaliatory lawsuits aimed at silencing her. Her attorneys have vowed to fight each of these lawsuits vigorously, suggesting that this is far from over. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s camp continues to deny all allegations, painting Lively as the aggressor and framing himself as the victim of a smear campaign.

As the legal battle rages on, the situation serves as a stark reminder of how messy and unpredictable such disputes can become. Both sides have dug in their heels, and the outcome remains uncertain. For now, it’s a waiting game as the legal system works through the claims, counterclaims, and motions.

Public Reaction and the Future of "It Ends With Us"

The public reaction to the drama has been varied, with some people expressing support for Lively and others questioning the validity of her claims. Social media has been flooded with opinions, ranging from calls to boycott the film to defenses of Baldoni’s character. The situation has also sparked broader conversations about workplace culture, the challenges of proving harassment allegations, and the role of PR teams in shaping public perception.

Despite the controversy, It Ends With Us is still set to be released in 2024, and it remains to be seen how the ongoing legal drama will impact its reception. The film’s success will likely depend on whether audiences can separate the on-screen performances from the real-life conflicts of its stars. For now, the spotlight is firmly on Lively and Baldoni, and the world is watching to see how this saga unfolds.

A Conclusion: The Intersection of Art and Reality

The story of It Ends With Us serves as a stark reminder of how closely art and reality can intersect, often with unpredictable results. While movies are meant to transport us to new worlds and tell compelling stories, the real-life drama surrounding this film has overshadowed its artistic ambitions.

As the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to unfold, one thing is clear: this is about more than just a movie. It’s about accountability, the power of speaking out, and the consequences of high-stakes disputes in the public eye. Whatever the outcome, this story will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Hollywood and beyond.