Blake Lively Receives Backing from 'It Ends With Us' Author and 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' Co-Stars

Blake Lively finds herself bolstered by influential allies amid serious allegations directed at her "It Ends With Us" director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. Colleen Hoover, the author of the novel inspiring the film, shared her unwavering support on Instagram over the weekend. "Blake, your honesty, kindness, support, and patience have been exceptional since our first meeting," Hoover penned beside a heartfelt image of them embracing. "Thank you for being your authentic self. Never change. Never wilt."

Lively's past co-stars also rallied in solidarity. America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, her companions from the 2005 film "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," issued a collective statement. "As Blake's friends and sisters for over two decades, we stand with her against what appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation," they declared. "During 'It Ends with Us' filming, we witnessed her brave advocacy for a secure set environment. The subsequent orchestrated effort to malign her is shocking."

They condemned the misuse of domestic violence survivors' narratives to silence Lively's safety concerns. "The hypocrisy is astounding," they emphasized. "Even a woman as accomplished and resourceful as Blake is vulnerable to harsh retaliation when seeking a safe workspace."

Their statement concluded with admiration for Lively's bravery. "Her courage to defend herself and others inspires us," they affirmed. Reports emerged over the weekend of Lively lodging a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Baldoni, citing sexual harassment and a calculated plot to damage her reputation, a claim obtained by The New York Times.

In response, Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, refuted the allegations in a statement to CNN, labeling them as "entirely false and outrageously intended to harm and manipulate media narratives." "It's disgraceful for Ms. Lively and her team to levy such false claims against Mr. Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios," Freedman stated, asserting that her negative reputation stemmed from her own public comments and actions during the film's promotion.

CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this report.