Blake Lively’s Latest Film Faces Controversy Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

Los Angeles, CA – Amazon Prime Video is navigating a wave of scrutiny around actress Blake Lively as the trailer for her upcoming film, “Another Simple Favor,” was released on Monday. The comedy-mystery film, slated to debut on the streaming platform on May 1, has raised eyebrows due to its promotional handling, as the company disabled comments on YouTube.

The decision to restrict viewer engagement comes amidst Lively’s ongoing legal disputes with Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in the film “It Ends With Us.” Lively, who reprises her role as Emily Nelson, a PR director, alongside Anna Kendrick, is embroiled in a legal fight after alleging sexual harassment against Baldoni on the film set. The accusations led to a series of legal battles, including a lawsuit filed by Lively in December 2024 that encompasses claims of sexual harassment, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy.

In response, Baldoni, known for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” filed a counter-suit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, alleging defamation and extortion. He claims they manipulated their connection with singer Taylor Swift to exert control over the film’s production. Both parties have shared conflicting narratives regarding the case.

“We are preparing to address these serious allegations head-on,” Baldoni’s legal team stated in a recent press release. Baldoni has also publicly denied Lively’s accusations, releasing footage purportedly showing the actress dancing on set as an attempt to refute her claims.

The timing of the film’s promotional materials has led to speculation regarding Lively’s treatment by the studio. Experts in media relations suggest that the comment restriction could be a protective measure, aimed at shielding her from potential negative backlash related to the legal proceedings. Lively has been facing intense public scrutiny since her lawsuit became public.

“Another Simple Favor” is positioned as a sequel to the original film, which was a commercial success. It features Kendrick reprising her role as Stephanie Smothers, a single mother and vlogger. The film aims to blend mystery and comedy while navigating the evolving dynamics between the characters portrayed by Lively and Kendrick.

As anticipation builds for the release, the industry is closely watching how the ongoing legal matters will affect public reception and Lively’s career moving forward. In March 2026, both actors are expected to appear in court for the trial concerning the allegations.