During the post-production of It Ends With Us in May 2024, Blake Lively sent an email to Ben Affleck seeking his opinion on her film edit. The message surfaced amid her legal dispute with director Justin Baldoni, highlighting significant tensions between Lively and Baldoni. This exchange revealed Lively’s frustration while she asked Affleck, her longtime friend, for feedback on the movie’s cut.
Details of Lively’s Email and Her Criticism of Justin Baldoni
In the email, Lively expressed strong dissatisfaction with Baldoni, referring to him as a “chaotic clown” who simultaneously held multiple roles including director, actor, producer, financier, and studio head. She wrote,
I also ended up having to direct the movie via the chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center.
She emphasized her point by adding,
Yes, that’s all the same person.
Moreover, Lively accused the team Baldoni assembled of being involved with a cult, raising serious concerns about the film’s production environment. She explained the difficulty of working around his “taste, ego and preexisting decisions” and mentioned “wild HR issues and beyond,” which complicated the process further. Lively stated,
If I would’ve just formally directed it, it would’ve been much easier, but having to troubleshoot through his taste, ego and preexisting decisions made it so difficult and that’s not even touching on any of the wild HR issues and beyond.
Lively’s Request for Affleck’s Input and Candid Reflection on Her Experience
Describing her involvement in the editing process as a “bake off,” Lively asked Affleck if he could spare nearly two hours to watch her version and provide feedback. She wrote,
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?
Showing vulnerability, she opened up about the personal toll the project took on her, saying,
I just really want this to work after all I’ve put into it,
and added,
This movie nearly killed me. And I can think of very few people who would be as prescriptive and insightful as I know you would be.
Lively’s Praise for Affleck and Mention of Matt Damon’s Involvement
Besides seeking Affleck’s professional insight, Lively complimented his work and also praised his then-wife Jennifer Lopez. The actress revealed that Matt Damon, Affleck’s longtime friend and frequent collaborator, was also slated to review the movie cut. This reflects the close circle of trusted industry peers involved in this critical stage of editing.
Context of the Email Within Ongoing Legal Disputes
The email has surfaced amid Blake Lively’s legal case against Justin Baldoni, whom she accused of sexual harassment in a suit filed in December 2024. Baldoni denied these allegations and filed a countersuit; however, the court dismissed his countersuit in June. The trial concerning Lively’s claims against Baldoni and his PR team is scheduled for May 18, 2026, making this email a significant document in ongoing proceedings.
