Discover who still supports Blake Lively in Hollywood after she is removed from Colleen Hoover’s Instagram.

She has all but disappeared from public life amid her legal battle with Justin Baldoni after accusing him of launching a smear campaign against her.

And it appears that Blake Lively’s once staunch behind-the-scenes support network is dwindling. 

The actress is accused of using the influence of her close friend, Taylor Swift, to make changes to the script of It Ends With Us. She referred to the singer and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as her ‘dragons’.

Blake also received the backing of the book-turned-film’s author Coleen Hoover amid the awkward press tour.

But it seems as though support for the Gossip Girl star is on the turn after director Justin’s countersuit was revealed.

Despite once being considered a close friend, Taylor Swift snubbed the actress for a seat at the Super Bowl. Moreover, writer Coleen removed all mentions of the actress from her social media, indicating a distancing of former relationships.

And her ex-boyfriend Penn Badgley even seems to have struck up a friendship with Justin. 

As the messy legal dispute continues, who is standing by Blake’s side? MailOnline examines those who continue to support Blake and those who have chosen to maintain some distance from the situation.

Team Blake 

Husband Ryan Reynolds 

They have long been seen as Hollywood’s golden couple since marrying in 2012 and are parents to four children – James, 10, Inez, eight, Betty, five, and Olin, one. 

But Blake and her husband Ryan Reynolds have been scrambling to reclaim their crown as her messy legal dispute threatens their reputation. 

Despite the turmoil however, Ryan has remained a sturdy source of support for his wife throughout.

‘Ryan is always her rock. They have such a special relationship. He’s very proud of her in so many ways,’ a source informed People.

Last summer, fans were quick to note that Blake was never seen with Justin during the promotion of It Ends With Us – instead her husband Ryan and his friend Hugh Jackman were by her side throughout.  

It was also reported that Ryan blocked Justin on Instagram, months before his wife filed the lawsuit. 

But besides supporting her, Ryan also became directly involved in the legal mess after Justin sued him as well as his wife. 

One standout part of the suit was where Ryan allegedly ‘berated’ Justin as he leapt to Blake’s defence during filming. 

The Gossip Girl actress revealed that she felt ‘fat-shamed’ by Justin stemming from preparation for a scene in which he lifts her into the air, as he asked her weight ahead of filming. 

Just has since alleged that Blake’s husband Ryan was so enraged by the ordeal that he ‘swore’ at him as he declared: ‘How dare you f***ing ask about my wife’s weight? What’s wrong with you?’

As tensions worsened Blake chose to leave set as a result of the ‘toxic’ environment, and drafted a list of requirements for her return.

As part of her Return to Production Demands, a meeting was held at their New York penthouse – where and Blake brought along Ryan as her chosen ‘representative’.

Justin claims that what ensued was an ‘aggressive tirade’ from Ryan as he and Blake read out a list of the grievances the actress had. 

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel) 

Blake previously starred opposite America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel in the 2005 coming-of-age adventure movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

The film followed four best friends that buy a mysterious pair of pants that fits each of them perfectly despite them all being different sizes. 

And the sisterhood didn’t end after its release, as it appears the four are still close and willing to bat for one another. 

Speaking out amid Blake’s legal battle, Tamblyn and Ferrera released a statement signed by all three of them, including Bledel, who is not active on Instagram.

‘In support of our sister, Blake,’ they wrote in the caption and signed off with a red heart emoji and their first names. ‘As Blake’s friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation.

‘Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set. And we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.’

The three actresses also condemned Justin’s alleged attempt to ‘bury’ Blake — as he and his team reportedly stated in a private message that was made public in the court documents — under the guise of having good intentions and trying to shed light on domestic violence, the pivotal message of It Ends With Us.

‘Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety,’ Blake’s Sisterhood costars wrote. ‘The hypocrisy is astounding.

‘We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment. We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up her herself and others.

‘For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times.’

America and Amber shared the post on their Instagram Stories alongside the link to the New York Times article about the lawsuit Blake filed.

‘I was a confidant for my sister Blake while she went through some of this experience,’ Tamblyn wrote alongside her Instagram Stories post. ‘I remember how incredibly painful it was for her.

‘I’m glad all of this has come to light with solid reporting and receipts. I ask you to please read the full article and specifically, the legal complaint at the link.’

Amber Heard 

Amber Heard has long claimed that she was the victim of a smear campaign orchestrated by her famous ex, Johnny Depp, during their infamous court battle over domestic violence. 

And she spoke out in support of Blake in the wake of her explosive allegations against Justin back in December, saying she too knows how it feels to be on the receiving end of a smear campaign. 

Justin hired TAG PR and Melissa Nathan in August of this year as stories surrounding the drama onset emerged.

Melissa founded the company in August last year, but she previously worked for the same firm actor Johnny hired to help him navigate his trial with Amber. 

In a statement to NBC News of Blake’s claims, Amber said: ‘Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying “A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on”.

‘I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.’ 

Co-star Michele Morrone

The superstar couple cosied up to Italian actor Michele Morrone in a sweet snap he shared to Instagram last month, just weeks after he publicly expressed his solidarity with Blake following her sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin.

In the photo, the trio beams with wide smiles, sitting close together, with Morrone’s arm wrapped around Blake in a show of support. 

He tagged Blake and Ryan in the post, writing, ‘Missed you guys!! Love you!!!’

Michele became acquainted with Blake last year while filming the sequel to A Simple Plan.

He referenced the film when he shared a powerful video in December, where he defended Blake after she accused her This Ends With Us costar Justin of launching a smear campaign against her. 

He explained in the clip, ‘So it’s usually not my thing to make these types of videos, but I think it’s time to stand up for a person I really love, and this person is Blake Lively.’

He recalled meeting Blake while filming A Simple Favor 2, saying: ‘I personally met Blake during A Simple Favor 2, we shot this incredible film together, and I felt something was wrong, and I felt the pain. And then we had the opportunity to talk, me and her.

‘Blake was in pain. And I’m really tired to see those kind of cruel and bad comments about her without knowing the situation.’

Keeping their distance 

‘Bestie’ Taylor Swift 

Pop icon Taylor Swift and Blake have been friends for over 10 years, and have always been known for their unbreakable bond. 

The pair were last pictured together in October on a double date with Blake’s husband Ryan Reynolds and Taylor’s boyfriend Travis Kelce in Manhattan. 

But the singer was pulled into Blake and Justin’s lawsuit as he alleged a high-profile friend thought to be Taylor’s presence was used to intimidate him at a meeting with Ryan about edits the actress had made to a rooftop scene. 

Referenced as one of Blake’s ‘dragons’, the drama surrounding the star has seemingly caused her longtime pal to keep her distance. 

Blake did not make Taylor’s guest list for her Super Bowl box this year, despite their close display of friendship during last year’s game, which they attended together. 

She was apparently fine with not attending as Blake would never want her drama to ‘overshadow’ Taylor and Travis – but the lack of invite is no doubt bound to sting. 

It came after it was revealed earlier this month that Taylor ‘feels used’ by pal Blake after being dragged into the lawsuit, and ‘resents’ her for ‘calling her one of her dragons and leveraging her name’.

The source claimed Taylor came to Blake’s apartment when she was told by the actress and had ‘no idea’ that Justin would be there. They said Justin was about to leave after the two hour meeting when Taylor walked in and was introduced to him for the ‘first and only time.’

Taylor told Justin how excited she was to see the movie ‘because he was her friend’s boss’ according to the source.

They also claimed Taylor believes Blake ‘timed’ her meeting with Justin so she would arrive before he left. The singer was also said to be ‘baffled’ by Blake calling her a ‘dragon’ adding: ‘It’s weird to say that about a friend.’

It was further claimed by the source that Taylor has learned Blake has been ‘inappropriately leveraging her name for a long time, like telling a young actress that Taylor “cast her,” which simply did not happen.’

Author Coleen Hoover 

Coleen Hoover, 45, wrote the 2016 novel that was adapted into the 2024 movie now at the centre of the toxic legal battle between Blake and Justin. 

When the feud became apparent during the It Ends With Us press tour, Coleen was right by Blake’s side throughout.

Backing her up after the claims came to light, Coleen then took to her Instagram Stories to write: ‘@blakelively 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.’ 

But in a possible change of heart, Coleen scrubbed Blake from her Instagram, even culling a photo that the embattled actress had tagged her in, after quietly returning to the social media platform Wednesday, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed.

Previously, the mum-of-three had enjoyed a warm relationship with Justin, with emails included in the $400million countersuit filed last month showing Coleen had told him ‘there is no one better for the project’ as she suggested he play the male lead.

But as the legal fight ramped up three weeks ago, Coleen deleted her Instagram account and with it the December statement that described Blake as ‘honest, kind, supportive and patient’.

Now her page has been relaunched with all traces of both Justin and Blake removed, among them, photos taken during the promotion of the ill-starred movie which premiered in August. 

Co-star Anna Kendrick 

Blake and Anna Kendrick starred in the 2018 hit A Simple Favor together and recently reunited to film a much-anticipated sequel.

But it appears Blake looks set to promote the upcoming film, set for a May 1 release, alone – or swerve the trail altogether

Insiders have claimed her costar Anna, 39, would prefer not to team up after Blake reportedly did little to address how her legal battle has tarnished the early reception to the new film.

‘These movies are basically all Anna and Blake have in common,’ a source told DailyMail.com. ‘They have a working relationship, by no means a close friendship or bond.

‘Last-minute talks are underway with execs as Anna would prefer to distance herself from Blake going forward. 

‘It was originally planned that the two would do much of the promotion together. That’s what the studio requested, and Anna and Blake agreed to it. But Anna could go it alone over fears she will get caught up in the drama.’

The first poster for Another Simple Favor was revealed last week, along with the announcement that it will premiere on March 7 at the SXSW Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas.

Ex-boyfriend Penn Badgley 

It was recently revealed that Blake’s ex-boyfriend Penn Badgley struck up a ‘bromance’ with Justin. 

The Gossip Girl stars, who started dating after acting as an on-screen couple, were together for three years from 2007 until 2010.

The actor, who is now married to Domino Kirke, 39 and is father to son James, two – once credited Blake’s teetotal lifestyle with ‘saving him’ from forcing himself to experiment with drugs and alcohol.  

But it seems that years on Penn has chosen a side, as he and Justin have featured on podcasts together in the past.

Penn and Justin also both following each other on social media, although Penn does not follow Blake. 

In November 2021, the pair were spotted out and about in New York and posed for a photo with a fan who shared it to X, which Justin later reposted and tagged Penn, saying: ‘Looks like we were spotted by #GossipGirl.’

Another crucial connection between the pair is their Baha’i faith – a niche religion found by an Iranian prophet in the 19th century, which has spread throughout the world and now counts more than eight million members. 

Although there are no clergy or physical churches, it teaches that there is one God and that the major world religions share common principles, which should be drawn on to promote unity and an end to all forms of discrimination.   

Husband’s ex-wife Scarlett Johansson 

The short marriage between Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds sparked fresh attention amid his wife Blake’s messy legal battle. 

While the Deadpool star and Blake have become something of a Hollywood power couple, some older fans may recall he was married to Scarlett for two short years in the late noughties.

Ryan and Scarlett, 40, started dating in Spring 2007 – shortly after he ended his two year engagement to singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette. They became engaged in May 2008 and were married in an intimate ceremony in Vancouver, Canada, that September. 

According to reports at the time they announced the split, the stress of being apart due to conflicting schedules was too much for Scarlett to take and she was the one who initiated the divorce, ending the relationship in December 2010. They divorced in 2011.

In 2012 Ryan started dating Blake. The pair later married and welcomed children together. 

But although Ryan and Scarlett haven’t said anything bad about one another in the years since their split, an interesting coincidence came to light amid the It Ends With Us legal dispute.

Scarlett is gearing up to make her directorial debut with the film Eleanor the Great, on which filming wrapped last April and it is set to come out this year. 

But intriguingly, one of the production companies backing and funding the film is none other than Wayfarer Studios – owned and ran by Justin.  

Brother-in-law Bart Johnson 

High School Musical star Bart Johnson initially leapt to his sister-in-law Blake’s defence amid her claims against Justin. 

Taking to social media, Bart accused Justin of putting ‘on the costume of a hero, man bun and all’ and using ‘trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts.’

‘None of it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years,’ Bart said of Justin’s reputation of being a feminist and proud ally to women.

But he made a shock apology to Justin last month regarding the post.

Bart, who is married to Blake’s sister Robyn Lively, took to X (previously known as Twitter) to express remorse over his since-deleted posts, in which he called Justin a ‘fraud’ and criticised his appearance. 

‘Anytime I’ve said anything unkind about someone I’ve regretted it. Fortunately that’s almost never and definitely not when I’m at my best,’ he stated. 

‘Regardless if it’s true or not, if it’s my opinion, even if I’m trying to speak truth or stand up for someone, it’s never good.’

Johnson continued: ‘Even in times where it might ‘feel’ justified and doing the right thing, it makes no difference. There’s a better way. It’s below the standard I have for myself and I regret it.’ 

Journalist Kjersti Flaa

As rumours of Blake and Justin’s feud started during the It Ends With Us promotional trail, reporter Kjersti Flaa, 51, posted a clip of an ‘uncomfortable’ chat that she had with the actress back in 2016.

During the interview, Kjersti congratulated a then-pregnant Blake on her impending arrival, but the actress seemed completely unamused with the comment and replied with a sarcastic quip.

‘First of all, congrats on your little bump,’ Kjersti, who is the founder of Content Now TV, gushed.

‘Congrats on your little bump,’ Blake fired back, as the interviewer giggled nervously.

Last August, Kjersti spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about how Blake’s response left her feeling ‘paralysed’ and ‘like a complete failure’.

And now it has been revealed that Kjersti is still angry with Blake, and is selling pro-Justin merchandise.

It was discovered that Kjersti’s Etsy account had a number of t-shirts for sale with various slogans, including one not-so-subtle garment reading ‘Justin’s little dragon’ in reference to the Taylor Swift allegation in the lawsuit. Another reads ‘Congrats on your little bump’.