AceShowbiz - Colleen Hoover, author of the best-selling novel "It Ends With Us," has recently returned to Instagram after a period of absence. Her comeback on February 12 was marked by the removal of all photos featuring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the stars of the film adaptation of her novel.

This digital decluttering follows a turbulent period that began when Lively, 37, filed a sexual harassment and smear campaign allegations against Baldoni, 41, in December 2024, following the release of their movie in August.

The film centers on the story of Lily Bloom (Lively) and her abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) as she's finding solace in her high school love interest, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar).

Hoover initially supported the actress, sharing via her Instagram Story, "@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."

After Baldoni shared his side of story and the public spat snowballed into numerous lawsuits, Hoover abruptly deleted her account as she landed in hot water for siding with Lively. Now all her posts featuring both stars are scrapped, along with other related content.

Baldoni, on the other hand, has vehemently denied Lively's allegations. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, labeled the claims as "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious."

In a significant countermeasure, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of civil extortion, defamation, and more.

Baldoni has also filed a $250 million libel action against The New York Times for a December 21 article that covered Lively's initial complaint. As the court case gains momentum, the presiding judge has advised both parties to avoid arguing their case in the public eye, with the trial set to commence on March 9, 2026.

As the legal drama continues to unfold and Hoover hints at distancing herself from the controversy, an adaptation of another of her book "Verity," is in the works with Anne Hathaway in the lead role.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.