Colleen Hoover embarrassed by her book over Lively-Baldoni lawsuit

Amid Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s publicly known legal dispute, Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends with Us, revealed she feels embarrassed about her book amid the controversy.

In a new interview with Ellen, Hoover revealed that she is “embarrassed” to be connected to It Ends with Us now because of the public attention surrounding the film.

“It feels like a circus. When there are real people involved, with real feelings and emotions,” she said. “This actually truly has impacted some of the actors’ careers in huge ways. And I just find it all around sad. I can’t even recommend it anymore.”

The best-selling author said she feels that the lawsuit has overshadowed her beloved book, and she is embarrassed to say that she wrote it.

“When people ask what I do, I’m just like, ‘I’m a writer,’” she added. “Please don’t ask me what I wrote.’ The more time that passes, the easier everything gets for all of us. But it is sad, because I was very proud of that book.”

Hoover’s 2016 novel soared after TikTok fame and inspired a 2022 sequel, rooted in her mother’s experience with domestic violence.

Its film adaptation starred Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who directed. Months after the 2024 release, Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation, which he denies.

RELATED: Colleen Hoover on Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni legal battle: ‘Embarrassed’