In recent days, the internet has been abuzz with discussions about Colleen Hoover, the acclaimed author of “It Ends With Us,” and her connection to the ongoing legal dispute between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. At the heart of the speculation is the possibility that Hoover’s contract with Baldoni includes a morality clause.
The Legal Battle Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
On December 20, 2024, Blake Lively took legal action by filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Justin Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios. Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct in the workplace, and an effort to damage her reputation.
These complaints arose from her experiences while working on the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel “It Ends With Us”. In this film, Lively played the character Lily Bloom, while Baldoni took on the role of her abusive husband, Ryle Kincaid.
Justin Baldoni Strikes Back
In response, on January 16, 2025, Justin Baldoni’s legal team filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. This lawsuit included allegations of civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. The legal confrontation between the two parties is scheduled to take place in court on March 9, 2026, turning it into one of the most prominent legal battles in Hollywood.
Colleen Hoover’s Initial Support for Blake Lively
Shortly after Lively filed her complaint, Colleen Hoover publicly supported the actress on social media. In an Instagram story, Hoover shared a link to the report and wrote:
“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.”
However, shortly afterward, Hoover deactivated her social media accounts and has remained silent about the ongoing drama. This sudden disappearance fueled speculation among fans, leading to the rise of a viral conspiracy theory.
How Much Is Chuck Todd Net Worth?
The Morality Clause Conspiracy Theory
According to a viral Reddit post, Hoover’s silence may not be random—it could be strategic. The theory alleges that there is a morality clause in the contract Hoover signed when she sold the rights to It Ends With Us to Baldoni.
What Is a Morality Clause?
A morality clause typically allows the original creator (in this case, Hoover) to reclaim their intellectual property if the current rights holder (Baldoni) is accused of serious misconduct, such as sexual harassment. If proven true, this clause would give Hoover the opportunity to take back the rights to her book and resell them to another party—potentially Lively and Reynolds.
Why Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds?
The conspiracy theory speculates that Lively and Reynolds are interested in acquiring the rights to It Ends With Us and its sequel, It Starts With Us . This move could pave the way for a potential sequel or spin-off project, with Lively reprising her role as Lily Bloom.
Evidence Fueling the Theory
Supporters of the theory point to a recent interview between Blake Lively and Colleen Hoover as further “proof.” During the interview, Lively joked about following Hoover everywhere if she had her “rights.” While the comment was likely made in jest, fans interpreted it as a subtle hint at Lively’s interest in acquiring the rights to Hoover’s work.
Additionally, Hoover’s sudden deactivation of her social media accounts has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that her silence amid such a public feud seems unusual, especially given her initial support for Lively.
How Many Kids Do Anansa Sims and Matt Barnes Have?
Addressing the Speculation
It’s important to note that conspiracy theories are not facts. There is no official confirmation that Colleen Hoover plans to reclaim the rights to It Ends With Us or that Lively and Reynolds intend to purchase them. These claims remain speculative and unverified, originating from fan discussions and online forums.
That said, the timing of these events has undoubtedly sparked curiosity and debate among fans of the book and film.