“She’s Over”: Blake Lively Admitted To ‘Poisoning’ Co-Stars Against Actor—The Interview Has Resurfaced

As Blake Lively’s drama with Justin Baldoni continues, people are turning their attention to an interview from 2009 where she confessed to “poisoning” her Gossip Girlco-stars against an actor.

The actor was none other than Penn Badgley, who played Dan Humphrey, her character’s love interest.

Blake told Glamour that she was “so upset” by Penn being cast as Dan that she turned her castmates against him.

“At first I was so upset that they hired him. I actually poisoned the whole cast against him,” she said.

“But then they noticed that he wasn’t a jerk and was actually a really nice, charming person.”

Blake Lively in a patterned outfit at a public event, smiling and posing for the camera.

Blake Lively confessed to “poisoning” her Gossip Girl co-stars against a fellow actor in an unearthed interview

Image credits: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

“Almost immediately, I realized that too, but it took me about a week to admit it.”

The teen drama show, which followed the lives of students at an elite private school in New York City, ran on CW for six seasons from 2007 to 2012.

Blake portrayed Serena van der Woodsen, a socialite and the it girl of Manhattan.

“We hang out after filming. We actually look forward to spending time together outside of work,” she told the magazine, refuting reports of a tense atmosphere on the Gossip Girl set.

Blake ended up dating Penn, her on-screen boyfriend, in real life from 2007 to 2010.

Blake Lively on Glamour cover, August 2009 issue, wearing a sequined dress, with magazine headlines visible.

Image credits: People

“I remember there was one point where we were just afraid of how our personal lives overlapping our work life could be perceived by our bosses,” the 37-year-old actress toldVanity Fair.

“[But then] we were like, ‘Oh no, that’s exactly what they want.’ They wanted us all to date.”

Penn now appears to be friends with Justin Baldoni, who Blake accused of sexual harassment last December.

The actors were seen together in New York in 2021 and follow each other on Instagram. Penn does not follow Blake.

Blake said she was “upset” by Penn Badgley playing her love interest and turned their co-stars against him

Blake Lively looking concerned in a striped blazer, outdoors in a scene from "Gossip Girl.

Image credits: Netflix

Penn Badgley in dark sweater in a scene from "Gossip Girl.

Image credits: Netflix

Justin denied Blake’s accusations of sexual harassment. The It Ends With Us actor and director also refuted claims of orchestrating a media smear campaign against Blake in retaliation for her complaints about his purported misconduct on set.

Instead, they argue thatBlake tarnished her own reputation with her interviews during the press tour for the film. At the time, many netizens complained that theGossip Girl alum failed to address the movie’s theme of domestic violence, instead focusing on promoting her products.

Justin countersued Blake and her husband,Ryan Reynolds, and is seeking $400 million in damages. He claims that he was the one to have his reputation “destroyed” by the Hollywood power couple.

Blake and Penn ended up dating in real life from 2007 to 2010

Blake Lively in conversation on a couch with Penn Badgley, surrounded by picture frames in a scene from "Gossip Girl.

Image credits: Netflix

“This is a case about two of the most powerful stars in the world deploying their enormous power to steal an entire film right out of the hands of its director and production studio,” the lawsuit states.

“When Plaintiffs have their day in court, the jury will recognize that even the most powerful celebrity cannot bend the truth to her will.”

The Jane the Virgin actor filed a lawsuit against The New York Times, which first reported on the alleged smear campaign against Blake and quoted messages sent from him and his publicists.

Blake Lively in a pink dress holding flowers next to Penn Badgley n a tuxedo at a formal event in a scene from "Gossip Girl.

Image credits: Netflix

Justin’s legal team published a website they claim has all the “receipts” that would prove his side of the story.

The 41-year-old filmmaker claimsBlake tried to hijack the film, including modifying an important rooftop scene where their characters meet. 

A2022 interview in which the actress discussed her need to “assert herself” and “have authorship” over her projects in order to feel “fulfilled” has recently resurfaced, leading some to side with Justin.

Blake starred as Serena van der Woodsen, a socialite and the it girl of Manhattan

Gossip Girl cast in formal attire at a red carpet event, featuring Blake Lively in the center.

Image credits: Scott Wintrow/Getty Images

In December 2024, Blake accused her co-star of “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior.”

She alleged that he walked into her trailer unannounced while she was undressed and “improvised physical intimacy” that had not been previously discussed.

Her team describedJustin’s counter-suit as “another chapter in the abuser playbook.”

Blake Lively wearing a jeweled dress at a Forbes event.

Image credits: Forbes

“This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim. This is what experts call DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender.

“Wayfarer [Justin’s production company] has opted to use the resources of its billionaire co-founder to issue media statements, launch meritless lawsuits, and threaten litigation to overwhelm the public’s ability to understand that what they are doing is retaliation against sexual harassment allegations.”

A trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026.

“The entire cast of Gossip Girl is celebrating,” one user speculated

Comment mentioning Blake Lively with opinions on personal relationships.

"Comment by Kimberly Marie Newham Cosgrove saying 'Sounds about right' related to Blake Lively confession.

Comment on Blake Lively's interview resurfacing, saying, "I think Karma is doing its job!

Comment text about a person with perspective on a contentious topic involving Blake Lively.

Comment referencing Blake Lively and Gossip Girl cast celebrating, with a playful emoji.

Blake Lively mentioned in a tweet about cast interactions and dynamics with co-stars.

Image credits: kaila90425

Tweet discussing Blake Lively's influence on co-stars and a scandal involving Justin and a sequel.

Image credits: FelixMontessori

Image credits: AustinFeyd

CGALL tweets about Justin Baldoni amid Blake Lively's confession controversy.

Image credits: GallFAM4

Tweet reaction to Blake Lively confessing about influencing co-stars, calling her behavior a known pattern.

Image credits: pamela_gorrie

Tweet discussing Blake Lively's strategy and karma against another actor, posted by Tea Enthusiast on February 13, 2025.

Image credits: LovesZeester

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