A recently revealed video from the filming of “It Ends With Us” shows Justin Baldoni making a controversial joke to his costar Blake Lively, intensifying the ongoing Blake Lively sexual harassment controversy. The incident unfolds amidst a heated legal battle between Baldoni and Lively, with new footage now under scrutiny for its potential impact in court.
Details of the Video and Its Context
Justin Baldoni, while preparing for a scene with Blake Lively, Jenny Slate, and Hasan Minhaj, utters the word “sexy” toward Lively. Turning to the camera, Baldoni then jokes,
“Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training.”
The incident, captured on set, has surfaced as part of public court filings tied to the dispute between the two actors.
Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni’s production company, addressed the footage in a legal document, describing the exchange as mundane and refuting any insinuation of inappropriate behavior. As detailed in the company’s court statement,
“Lively was not scantily clad, but dressed in an oversized fleece ‘onesie.’ Nor was this anything that might remotely approach flirtation — rather, both she and Baldoni were working at the time, surrounded by actors and crew. Baldoni’s expression was neutral and not ogling or suggestive. On top of that, Baldoni apologized if his remark was inappropriate, and Lively responded by saying ‘All good.’”
The legal team representing Baldoni hopes the court accepts their characterization of the event, while both Lively and Baldoni, as well as their representatives, have yet to respond publicly to media requests regarding the video.
Intensification of an Ongoing Legal Dispute
This dispute is just the latest chapter in a contentious legal feud that has overshadowed both stars for nearly a year. The legal motion in which the video was presented seeks a summary judgment favoring Baldoni’s side, aiming to bypass a full trial. The trial is currently scheduled to begin in March 2026.
Baldoni’s legal team submits that the comments seen in the footage, when fully contextualized, cannot be reasonably construed as sexual harassment. They reiterated this point in their legal strategy, stating,
“When viewed in context, no reasonable juror could find that the handful of comments and miscommunications Lively has mustered amounts to sexual harassment.”
Notably, earlier this month, Baldoni withdrew a $400 million countersuit he had filed against Lively by choosing not to submit an amended complaint.
The origins of this public dispute trace back to December of last year when Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he fueled an online campaign of harassment directed at her. In response, Baldoni retaliated with a countersuit against both Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, maintaining his denial of all accusations. The accusations and the legal ensuing battle have drawn significant attention from both industry observers and fans.
More Footage Released and Ongoing Reactions
This incident is not the first time on-set footage has featured in this high-profile conflict. In January 2025, Baldoni’s legal team released another video of a slow dancing scene from the film. In this clip, Blake Lively suggests changes to the scene, joking,
“I’m probably getting spray tan on you,”
to which Baldoni responds, laughing, that it smells good. This video was presented as a counterpoint to Lively’s previous claims of harassment, with Baldoni’s team asserting it contradicts allegations of misconduct.
Colleen Hoover, author of “It Ends With Us,” has voiced her public support for Blake Lively since the conflict came to light, addressing her in a social media message stating,
“You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met.”
Background and the Road Ahead
“It Ends With Us,” adapted from Colleen Hoover’s acclaimed 2016 novel, stars Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, a character grappling with an abusive relationship. Justin Baldoni portrays neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid. The film’s emotionally charged storyline is now mirrored in the off-screen turmoil between its lead actors.
As the court date approaches, both camps remain entrenched in their positions, and the controversy surrounding the Blake Lively sexual harassment controversy is likely to remain prominent in public discussion. With significant legal consequences at stake and both parties’ reputations hanging in the balance, the entertainment industry will be watching closely for developments as the March 2026 trial date nears.
