Hollywood is a weird place. One day you’re the industry’s golden girl, and the next, the internet is dissecting every interview you’ve given since 2008 to prove you’re a "mean girl." If you’ve been online at all lately, you’ve seen the headlines. The question is Blake Lively hard to work with has moved from hushed industry whispers to a full-blown public trial.
Honestly, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a mess of creative power struggles, legal battles, and a very public clash of personalities that came to a head on the set of It Ends With Us.
The Justin Baldoni Feud: Where It All Went South
The most recent and loudest evidence used to suggest Blake might be difficult is her fallout with Justin Baldoni. He didn't just co-star with her; he directed the movie. But by the time the film hit theaters in 2024, the two weren't even in the same room for premieres.
Rumors started flying about a "creative hijacking." Sources alleged that Blake, who was a producer on the film, took over the editing process. She reportedly brought in Shane Reid—the editor from her husband Ryan Reynolds’ movie Deadpool & Wolverine—to make a separate cut of the film.
Imagine being the director and finding out your lead actress is commissioning her own version of your movie. That’s gonna cause some friction.
But it got darker. In December 2024, Lively filed a massive 80-page complaint against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a toxic work environment. She claimed he made inappropriate comments about her postpartum body and showed "nude videos or images of women" to her on set.
Baldoni didn't take it lying down. He fired back with defamation lawsuits, claiming Lively used these allegations as a "trap" to seize creative control. As of early 2026, these two are still locked in a legal death match, with a trial set for May 18, 2026.
The "Mean Girl" Tag and Those Resurfaced Interviews
When a celebrity is accused of being "difficult," the internet does what it does best: it digs.
A 2016 interview with Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa went viral during the height of the drama. In the clip, Flaa congratulates Blake on her "little bump" (Blake was pregnant at the time). Blake immediately snaps back with, "Congrats on your little bump," to the non-pregnant journalist.
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Flaa later admitted the interaction made her want to quit her job.
Then there’s the Gossip Girl era. For years, people have wondered why Blake isn't close with Leighton Meester. While there was never a "blow-up" fight, crew members have whispered that Blake was often late to set—sometimes by hours—which delayed production and annoyed the cast who viewed the show as a job, not just a playground.
Different Perspectives on Her Work Ethic
- The "Pro" View: Many collaborators, like director Paul Feig (A Simple Favor), have continued to work with her and praise her involvement. They see her as a savvy businesswoman who knows her brand.
- The "Control" View: Others argue that her "collaborative partnership" with Ryan Reynolds creates an untouchable power couple dynamic that can steamroll directors who aren't as famous as they are.
- The "Tone-Deaf" Criticism: During the It Ends With Us press tour, Blake was slammed for promoting her hair care line and floral outfits while the movie was actually about domestic violence. To some, this felt callous; to others, it was just business as usual in Hollywood marketing.
Is She Actually "Difficult" or Just Powerful?
There is a very real conversation to be had about whether a man doing the same thing—taking control of a script or demanding a specific edit—would be called "hard to work with" or simply "an auteur."
However, the sheer volume of specific stories is what keeps the question alive. From the alleged tension with Anna Kendrick on A Simple Favor to the current legal war with Baldoni, the pattern suggests someone who isn't afraid of a bridge burning if it means getting the final product she wants.
What This Means for Her Future
Hollywood insiders are currently split. Some producers are reportedly wary of hiring her because she "costs people a lot of money" when she demands reshoots or changes the marketing plan mid-stream. Others see her box office draw—It Ends With Us was a massive hit despite the drama—and decide the headache is worth the profit.
If you’re looking for the "truth," it’s likely somewhere in the middle. Blake Lively is clearly a perfectionist who views herself as more than just an actor. She’s a creator. And in a system where the director is supposed to be the boss, a creator who isn't the director is always going to be labeled "difficult."
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Actionable Insights:
- Watch the Legal Space: The May 2026 trial will likely reveal unsealed texts and emails that provide the first non-anonymous look at how she actually operates on set.
- Look at the Credits: Moving forward, notice if she takes more "Producer" or "Director" credits. This is a clear sign she is moving toward roles where her "difficult" level of control is actually part of the job description.
- Separate Brand from Behavior: It’s possible to appreciate her films while acknowledging that her "mean girl" reputation comes from real interactions that left people feeling belittled.
The court of public opinion has already made its mind up, but the actual court case is just getting started.