This is Us author Colleen Hoover reportedly felt she had to make a choice amid a falling out between the film’s director Justin Baldoni and star Blake Lively.
“I know things went horribly wrong. I felt like I had to make a choice,” the author allegedly wrote in a text message to Baldoni in 2024, according to documents obtained by People magazine, which were included in a tax return filed by Wayfarer’s co-defendants on November 10.
“But the back-and-forth articles between the two sides are truly infuriating and ridiculous,” the alleged text continues in part.
“It makes everyone working on this movie look immature. Everyone’s trying to save themselves and now it’s chaos.”
“And I know you guys think I made the decision for a specific reason, but I felt a rift long before I got in touch with Blake,” the alleged text continued.
Mr. Hoover’s alleged text was a reprimand for Mr. Baldoni’s “actions.”
The text read: “I have been personally disappointed in your actions many times.”
“I appreciate you haven’t said anything negative directly. That’s the way it should be. But you guys are adults with a platform and you know how to use it to protect your image. Please don’t continue to use it to hurt me or mine. That’s all I’m asking.”
The text was allegedly sent by Hoover to Baldoni in August 2024 to share with his public relations team.
Representatives for Mr. Huber could not be reached for comment. Page Six also contacted Baldoni’s representatives.
Lively, 38, sued Baldoni in December 2024 for sexual harassment and retaliation, seeking more than $160 million in emotional distress and other damages.
Among her allegations is that Baldoni, 41, along with other co-defendants, orchestrated a smear campaign against the “Gossip Girl” alumnus with the goal of affecting her public image.
Baldoni, who denies wrongdoing, filed a $400 million countersuit in January against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and others. It was rejected by a judge in June.
The author of the original novel, which revolves around a cycle of domestic violence, was previously deposed, along with co-star Jenny Slate, in the case, with a trial date set for March 2026.
Hoover previously supported the actress on her Instagram Story in December 2024. “@blakelively, you have been honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met,” she wrote above a snapshot of herself and Lively in a warm embrace.
“Thank you for being who you are. Please never change. Please never wither.”
Ms. Hoover also included a link to a New York Times article outlining her initial legal complaint.
After briefly suspending Instagram amid the drama, Hoover returned to the platform in February, but the photo of Lively and Baldoni was deleted.
