Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Blake Lively, Ben Affleck Blake Lively texts [Image Source: DAILYTIMES]
Blake Lively reached out to Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in May 2024, urging them to watch her version of It Ends With Us amid a contentious dispute with co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The actress’s messages revealed her frustration with Baldoni’s involvement, describing the film’s production as a deeply distressing experience.
Blake Lively Enlists Hollywood Friends During Film Set Conflict
In the lead-up to a January hearing related to her legal battle with Justin Baldoni, unsealed court documents unveiled a series of communications Blake Lively sent to Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. These messages detailed her grievances during the making of It Ends With Us, where Baldoni served as director and co-star. The actress reached out to both men, among other high-profile friends, in hopes of gaining support amid a difficult production.
In an email to Affleck dated May 17, 2024, Lively wrote,
“Ben, It’s Blake. Don’t hang up,”
showcasing the urgency of her appeal. She confided in the Oscar-winning actor, saying,
“I’ve just come out the other side (well almost) of the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie,”
emphasizing, This movie nearly k*lled me.
She described the behind-the-scenes chaos with vivid disdain, adding,
“The making of doc of this film would be more interesting than the movie could ever be,”
while labeling Justin Baldoni a clown. Lively further accused Baldoni of forcing her to rewrite and restructure the entire script, effectively taking on directing responsibilities herself:
Image of: Ben Affleck
“I ended up rewriting and restructuring the entire script, I also ended up having to direct the movie via the chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center,”
she wrote.
“Yes that’s all the same person.”
She underscored her belief that every person Baldoni brought onto the production set was part of a cult, reinforcing the severity of the environment she endured. Lively asked Affleck if he could spare nearly two hours to view the film and provide feedback, highlighting her trust in his insights.
Frustration with Justin Baldoni’s Role on Set
The actress’s disdain for Justin Baldoni extended to his multitasking across roles, which she considered irresponsible and ego-driven. She requested:
“If you have 1:58 of free time at any time in the next few days, would you be willing to watch the movie and give me any ideas or notes. I will pix it to you. You can literally text me a voice memo so you don’t have to formally write thoughts,”
illustrating her desire for an informal exchange.
Lively also mentioned Affleck’s then-fiancée, Jennifer Lopez, and their children, suggesting they might share their opinions. She noted:
“If your wife or kids are around, I’d love their opinion also (fyi it does cover domestic violence so no one is caught off guard),”
and added,
“I’m such a fan of Jennifer’s, I’ve told her as much every time I’ve met her, and it would be an honor to have her take.”
The actress clarified there was zero pressure involved in the request but emphasized that few could offer feedback as prescriptive and insightful as Affleck’s. She highlighted that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had also involved Matt Damon, another close ally, to review the film and share thoughts.
She wrote,
“Ryan asked Matt to watch also so I think he’s watching this weekend. Good men showing up. I’m beyond grateful for that,”
and joked,
“Also. Can you believe Jason Bourne is watching my movie?!?! I’ll get you an autograph one day. Don’t worry,”
referencing Damon’s iconic role.
While it remains unclear if Affleck responded directly, court documents included Damon’s reaction, lending further insight into the network Blake Lively activated at a critical juncture.
Ryan Reynolds Extends a “Zero-Pressure” Invitation to Matt Damon
Ryan Reynolds joined the effort, reaching out to Matt Damon and his wife Lucy with a gentle request regarding the film. His message conveyed respect for their family priorities, stating,
“We know how important family time is…so no worries either way. We’d LOVE to get your well earned pov…And if your girls want to see it on the big screen at B’s family and friends screening Saturday at 6pm, they’re obviously most welcome!”
Reynolds described the production process as one of the
“all-time zingers on and off set,”
hinting at the unusual difficulties faced. He added,
“One day, we’ll make a movie about the movie. And we can’t wait to tell you all about it,”
anticipating future revelations.
“The stories are already finding their place in the pantheon of legendary Hollywood Insanity. We’re about to be off for at least a year and a half. Maybe two years. Maybe forever.”
Blake Lively responded to this support by humorously upping the stakes, admitting she felt like she was
“adding more zeroes to the pressure”
but expressing gratitude for their willingness to consider her request. She tempered expectations about the film’s content, warning,
“It’s not a bad movie. So who knows, you just may enjoy some of it,”
while cautioning,
“Be warned it covers domestic violence In key places so just want to be sure you know. This movie nearly k*lled me.”
Harsh Criticism of Baldoni’s Competence and Leadership
Lively’s texts revealed scathing criticisms of Baldoni’s lack of experience and style of leadership. She asserted,
“The director/costar/producer/financier/head of the studio (yes all one person) had zero experience.”
She added with biting sarcasm,
“But the good news is he also has no taste, and an enormous ego, but only because he’s in a cult and believes he’s our century’s prophet,”
concluding,
“I wish even one of these things was hyperbole.”
Matt Damon Offers Support and a Path Forward
In response to Lively’s struggles, Matt Damon conveyed encouragement and a possible professional opportunity through their joint venture, Artists Equity. He wrote,
“We’ll give you any help we can. And if this experience hasn’t totally destroyed your soul, Blake, you should come direct your next movie at Artists Equity,”
reassuring her of their support. He lightened the tone by comparing their company to a
“cult but a really nice one.”
Court documents also exposed texts between Lively and Taylor Swift, where Blake referred to Baldoni as a doofus director. Blake had sent her revised script pages to Swift while the director was still present, inviting her to review the material without pressure.
Taylor Swift’s Candid Response Highlights Strain in Friendship
Blake Lively shared in her deposition that she sent Swift the script, hoping she would read it despite the awkward timing. Swift replied with enthusiasm,
“I’ll do anything for you !!”
but later conveyed concerns about the tone of Blake’s messages.
In later exchanges, Swift expressed feeling exhausted on multiple fronts and noticed a change in Blake’s communication style, commenting,
“Yes there has been a lot of the Justin stuff but I’ve been through things like this before and I know how all-consuming it is. It’s more like… and I feel really bad saying anything about this because your texts have been so nice in their intent but your last few… it’s felt like I was reading a mass corporate email sent to 200 employees,”
noting Blake’s use of “we” repeatedly.
Swift explained,
“You said the word ‘we’ like 18 times. And it feels awful to be in any way critical of any way you process what you’ve been going through but I just kinda miss my funny, dark, normal-speaking friend who talks to me as herself, not like. A plural unit,”
communicating the emotional distance that had developed.
She recognized the external pressures Blake faced, acknowledging,
“I understood that Blake was feeling attacked from all sides for ridiculous reasons,”
and suggested Blake might be overcompensating in explanations and kindness. Taylor summarized,
[But] It’s me! That’s just caused a little distance!”
Legal Battle and Public Backlash Surround the Dispute
The dispute escalated when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni denied the allegations and countersued, although the judge dismissed his countersuit in June 2024. The trial is scheduled for May 2025, keeping the case in the spotlight of Hollywood legal dramas.
Social media users observing the situation commented on Lively’s extensive efforts to rally industry heavyweights against Baldoni. One individual remarked online,
“Trying to get all the top dogs to side with her so she has more power to exclude Baldoni,”
reflecting a perception of strategic maneuvering within the dispute.
The Growing Significance of the Conflict Among Hollywood Insiders
This unfolding drama has captured significant attention due to the high-profile names involved and the serious allegations underlying the conflict. The texts between Blake Lively, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Ryan Reynolds, and Taylor Swift reveal a complex network of support and tension, highlighting the intense pressures behind the scenes during the production of It Ends With Us.
As the legal proceedings approach, the entertainment industry and public alike await further revelations. The impact on careers, reputations, and future projects for all parties remains uncertain, but the case has already underscored ongoing concerns surrounding workplace conduct in Hollywood productions.
Blake Lively’s candid messages emphasize how personal and professional boundaries can blur amid disputes, while the involvement of her close allies reflects the solidarity and influence wielded by celebrity networks in dealing with such controversies.
