Hollywood clash: Lively and Baldoni in $400m legal showdown

For several weeks, there has been much discussion in Hollywood about a conflict that began on the set of the production "It Ends With Us." Starring in the lead role, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against her on-screen partner and director, Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment, which allegedly included spying on her in intimate situations and adding more erotic scenes to the script. In response, Baldoni presented his own version of events, insisting that the actress engaged in extensive manipulation.

The filmmaker's lawyers have announced that they will soon file several lawsuits regarding the violation of their client's personal rights. To start, they are demanding $250 million from the publisher of The New York Times for a journalism ethics-violating "cruel smear campaign" that Lively allegedly initiated to undermine her opponent. However, this is just the beginning of the legal battles.

Justin Baldoni is demanding enormous compensation from the actress and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, with the sum involved being $400 million. A 179-page indictment was filed in the New York court a few days ago.

A new development that has just come to light, thanks to access to documents by the editors of Page Six, is the accusation against the star couple of using a pop icon to gain increasing control throughout the film's production. The alleged artist is Taylor Swift.

The lawsuit claims Baldoni was invited to Blake's New York apartment, where Reynolds and their "famous and very close friend" were also waiting for him, allegedly admiring the revisions Lively made to the script. After the meeting ended, he reportedly sent his film partner a text message referencing a scene on the roof where their characters meet for the first time.

Also was working on rooftop scene today, I really love what you did. It really does hep a lot. Makes it so much more fun and interesting. (And I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor) You really are a talent across the board. Really excited nd grateful to do this together - reportedly how the text message went.

Blake Lively reportedly responded, telling Baldoni she wants him to "win" as a director and actor while assuring him they're playing on the same team. The long message ended with comparing herself to "Mother of Dragons" Khaleesi, a character from "Game of Thrones," and a reference to the powerful forces she had on her side.

If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, you’ll appreciate that I’m Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. You will too, I can promise you.

Justin Baldoni's lawyers interpreted this message as an attempt to pressure him and an indirect threat of exposure to the dragons in the form of "two very influential celebrities."

The documents submitted to the court also describe a traumatic day on set for the actor and director, during which Blake Lively allegedly made a derogatory comment about him.

Evidence materials reportedly included a recording of this awkward situation. Clearly affected by the inappropriate joke, Justin discussed the issue of facial dysmorphia on his podcast "Man Enough."

It is worth recalling that Blake Lively made similar allegations against her legal opponent when he allegedly criticized her for excess weight after giving birth to her fourth child.