Isabela Ferrer, the young actress who played the teenage version of Lily Bloom in It Ends with Us, has filed a sharp legal rebuttal against director and co-star Justin Baldoni. The dispute stems from Baldoni’s repeated attempts to subpoena Ferrer in connection with Blake Lively’s ongoing federal lawsuit against him.
Ferrer, 24, is the granddaughter of screen legends Rosemary Clooney and José Ferrer, as well as the second cousin of actor George Clooney. After making her big-screen debut alongside Blake Lively in the 2023 romantic drama, she now finds herself caught in a high-profile legal conflict that is drawing intense media attention.
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Baldoni’s Legal Push
According to court filings, Baldoni, 41, has accused Ferrer of being “unreachable and unresponsive” to requests for all communications tied to Blake Lively’s lawsuit. Process servers allegedly failed to reach Ferrer at known addresses in Brooklyn and Sag Harbor. In response, Baldoni’s legal team asked the judge to approve “alternative service” methods to compel her testimony.
Ferrer’s attorney, Sanford Michelman, immediately condemned the request, calling it “harassing” and an attempt to pressure the actress unfairly. Legal documents obtained by People claim Baldoni engaged in “bad faith tactics” and filed the motion “for improper purposes.”
Allegations of Harassment
Michelman further argued that Baldoni’s legal maneuver was not aimed at gathering new evidence but rather at intimidating Ferrer. The filing read:
“Baldoni made no effort to tailor the subpoena towards the production of new or different materials, demonstrating that the real aim of the Baldoni subpoena, as well as the pending motion, is to harass Ms. Ferrer.”
Michelman urged Judge Lewis J. Liman to deny Baldoni’s motion entirely and consider sanctions against him for what he called an abuse of the legal process.
A Contract Dispute Complicates Matters
Adding another layer to the controversy is Ferrer’s contract with Wayfarer Studios, the production company co-founded by Baldoni. When Ferrer responded to Blake Lively’s subpoena in February, she invoked an indemnification clause in her acting contract. This clause requires the studio to cover her legal fees.
However, according to Michelman, Wayfarer agreed to pay those expenses only if Ferrer surrendered control of her legal response. Unwilling to compromise her independence, the actress hired private counsel instead, sparking further legal wrangling.
From Breakout Role to Bitter Feud
The legal fight stands in sharp contrast to the positive narrative that once surrounded Ferrer’s casting. Chosen after a nationwide open call — and reportedly with the endorsement of pop superstar Taylor Swift — Ferrer landed the role of young Lily Bloom in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.
For the then-restaurant worker from New York, the opportunity was life-changing. She openly praised Baldoni in early interviews, describing him as supportive, encouraging, and approachable.
“I always felt like I could go up to him and ask for anything,” Ferrer said during a promotional appearance in 2023. “He created a space where I felt comfortable as a first-time actress. That meant everything.”
After filming wrapped, she even sent Baldoni a heartfelt message:
“You are such a wonderful, smart, and sincere director… It was a life-changing experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming environment.”
Blake Lively’s Involvement
The dispute deepened as Ferrer grew closer to Blake Lively, who played the adult version of Lily Bloom. Lively, an established Hollywood star, became something of a mentor, jokingly referring to herself as Ferrer’s “stage mom.” The two even shared bonding moments off set, with Lively hosting sleepovers and personally styling Ferrer for red-carpet events.
Their bond, however, reportedly placed Ferrer at the center of escalating tensions between Lively and Baldoni. According to allegations in court documents, Lively accused Baldoni of making inappropriate comments after filming an intimate flashback scene involving Ferrer’s character. She claimed Baldoni remarked, “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but that was hot.”
Though Ferrer once publicly praised Baldoni, reports suggest that Lively later influenced her perception of him. Observers claim Ferrer gradually aligned herself more with Lively, distancing from Baldoni.
The Role of Wayfarer Studios
Wayfarer Studios, the production company behind It Ends with Us, has found itself at the center of the legal storm. Founded by Baldoni, the studio initially positioned itself as an inclusive, socially driven filmmaking company. The dispute over Ferrer’s legal fees, however, has cast a shadow over its reputation.
Legal experts note that indemnification clauses are common in acting contracts, designed to protect performers from legal costs arising from their work. However, disputes often arise when studios attach conditions — such as controlling the legal strategy — which may clash with an actor’s personal interests.
A Career at a Crossroads
For Ferrer, the situation presents both risk and opportunity. On one hand, she is gaining significant media attention as her name appears in headlines alongside Hollywood power players. On the other, the stress of legal battles could overshadow her budding career.
Friends describe her as resilient and determined to establish herself on her own terms. “She’s smart, talented, and fiercely independent,” one industry insider told reporters. “But these disputes can derail momentum for a young actor.”
Hollywood’s Larger Problem
The feud also highlights broader concerns in Hollywood about power dynamics, particularly between veteran filmmakers and rising talent. Young actors often rely heavily on mentors, making them vulnerable in disputes that blur the line between professional and personal relationships.
Observers note that this case mirrors a recurring theme in the industry: promising newcomers caught between influential stars and producers. Legal experts argue it underscores the importance of stronger protections for emerging talent.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Isabela Ferrer in It Ends with Us?
Isabela Ferrer is the actress who portrayed the younger version of Lily Bloom, Blake Lively’s character, in the 2023 film adaptation of It Ends with Us. The role marked her big-screen debut.
Why is Isabela Ferrer accusing Justin Baldoni of harassment?
Ferrer’s legal team claims that Justin Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the movie, engaged in “bad faith tactics” by repeatedly attempting to subpoena her. They argue his actions were intended to pressure and harass rather than seek new evidence.
What is the connection between Isabela Ferrer and Blake Lively’s lawsuit?
Blake Lively has filed a federal lawsuit against Baldoni. Ferrer was subpoenaed because of her role in the film and her communications related to the case. However, she has pushed back against Baldoni’s legal efforts.
What role does Wayfarer Studios play in this dispute?
Wayfarer Studios, co-founded by Justin Baldoni, produced It Ends with Us. Ferrer’s acting contract included a clause requiring the studio to cover her legal fees, but disputes arose over conditions tied to that support.
How has this legal battle impacted Isabela Ferrer’s career?
While the lawsuit has drawn unwanted attention, it has also increased Ferrer’s visibility in Hollywood. However, ongoing legal stress could overshadow her rising career if the case drags on.
Did Isabela Ferrer and Justin Baldoni have a good relationship before the legal dispute?
Yes, early in her career Ferrer praised Baldoni for being supportive on set and even thanked him publicly after filming. Their relationship later soured amid Blake Lively’s lawsuit and subpoena disputes.
What has Isabela Ferrer said about working with Blake Lively?
Ferrer has described Blake Lively as a mentor and “stage mom,” crediting her for guidance, styling help at premieres, and personal support throughout the film’s promotion.
Conclusion
Isabela Ferrer’s clash with Justin Baldoni highlights how quickly Hollywood relationships can shift from collaboration to conflict. Once grateful for his mentorship, the rising actress now accuses the It Ends with Us director of harassment through aggressive legal tactics. At the same time, her close bond with Blake Lively has placed her at the center of an escalating legal and professional feud.While the outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, it underscores the challenges young actors face when caught between powerful industry figures and complicated studio contracts.
