Anna Kendrick has found herself unexpectedly caught in the middle of the ongoing legal dispute between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Despite having no known involvement in the high-profile conflict, online conspiracy theorists have linked Kendrick to the drama, suggesting she has subtly taken sides.
Speculation began swirling after Kendrick appeared at the 2025 BAFTA Awards earlier this month, presenting the award for Best Director.
A seemingly innocent speech about the challenges of directing quickly became the subject of intense online scrutiny,
with some believing it was a veiled reference to the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni.
Anna Kendrick’s BAFTA Speech Sparks Online Theories
During the BAFTA Awards on February 16, Kendrick, best known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and A Simple Favor, praised directors for their hard work and dedication.
“We all have huge respect for directors. It’s one of the most exhilarating and exhausting jobs in the world,” Kendrick told the audience. “It’s juggling a million decisions, answering endless questions, and somehow still making sure that the story shines through.”
Though Baldoni was not among the nominees, some viewers interpreted her remarks—and a brief smirk on her face—as a subtle jab at Blake Lively, who has accused Baldoni of misconduct on the set of It Ends With Us.
Social media quickly erupted with speculation, with some users convinced Kendrick was taking a dig at Lively.
“A dig at Blake Lively and I’m here for it,” one TikTok user commented on a video of Kendrick’s speech.
“I love you Anna K, that smirk won’t let Blake sleep for days,” another added.
Others even compared the moment to Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us, suggesting Kendrick was making a power move in the ongoing celebrity drama.
Kendrick’s History with Lively Adds Fuel to the Fire
Kendrick and Lively previously worked together on the 2018 thriller A Simple Favor and its upcoming sequel, which is set for release in March. Their on-screen chemistry has led fans to believe they share a friendly off-screen relationship, making the idea of Kendrick throwing shade at Lively even more intriguing to conspiracy theorists.
However, not everyone is convinced. Many social media users pushed back against the claims, arguing that Kendrick’s speech had nothing to do with Lively and Baldoni’s dispute.
“She’s not shading Blake, although that’s a funny coincidence,” one person wrote. “Anna’s presenting because she had her directing debut this year with Woman of the Hour.”
Another frustrated user chimed in, saying, “People are really reaching with this Blake situation—it’s getting annoying.”
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Escalating Legal Battle
The controversy stems from the ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni, which began in December 2024. Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and alleging that he waged a smear campaign against her following the filming of It Ends With Us. The allegations were first reported by The New York Times, which published an extensive exposé on the situation.
Baldoni has denied the claims and responded with lawsuits of his own. He filed a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging that Lively attempted to take over his directorial responsibilities on the film. Additionally, he has sued The New York Times for libel.
The bitter feud has captivated the entertainment world, with both stars standing firm in their respective positions. Meanwhile, Reynolds has also been dragged into the legal mess, as Baldoni’s lawsuit names him as a co-defendant.
Kendrick Stays Silent Amid Rumors
Despite the internet’s wild theories, Kendrick has not addressed the speculation surrounding her BAFTA speech. Known for maintaining a relatively low profile when it comes to Hollywood drama, the actress and director has likely found herself in an uncomfortable situation she never intended to be part of.
As the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Kendrick will acknowledge the online chatter or simply let the rumors fade away. One thing is clear—social media users will continue dissecting every moment, searching for signs of hidden allegiances in the heated Hollywood feud.
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