Justin Baldoni has reportedly enlisted the help of seasoned PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid rumors of drama with the “It Ends With Us” cast, including co-star Blake Lively.
The actor and director recently hired Nathan’s company, The Agency Group, which specializes in communications, reputation management and personal advertising, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Tuesday.
Representatives for the former “Jane the Virgin” actress did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The news comes amid online speculation that Baldoni and Lively have broken up following her absence from several press events and group photos.
Sources previously told Page Six that they didn’t really see eye to eye on set and that the director made the “Gossip Girl” star “uncomfortable” while filming.
The two star in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, which tells the story of a toxic and abusive romance.
An industry source told us that Baldoni had created an “extremely difficult” environment for the entire cast.
“It’s not just Blake,” an industry source said. “None of the actors enjoyed working with Justin. … They certainly didn’t talk to him at the premiere.”
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Baldoni, 40, and Lively, 36, clashed during post-production after the actress asked “Deadpool & Wolverine” editor Shane Reid to develop a version of the film.
However, it is unclear whether Reid’s version was used in the final version, which was credited to editors Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan.
A studio insider also told Page Six on Tuesday: “As a producer, Blake had the opportunity to provide edits and feedback on the film. It’s completely normal for there to be multiple edits to a film.”
“Sony went with the cut they thought was best, and that was a cut that included Blake’s edits, and all parties agreed.”
It has been reported that Baldoni is unlikely to return for a potential sequel despite his production company, Wayfarer Studios, owning the rights to Hoover’s 2022 follow-up novel, “It Starts With Us.”
In an interview with “Entertainment Tonight” last week, the actor said Lively would be better suited to direct the second installment.
“I think there are better people for this movie,” he told the outlet. “I think Blake Lively is ready to direct, that’s what I think.”
