Ben Affleck has not replied to Blake Lively’s email sent in May 2024, which has recently surfaced and gone viral amid her ongoing legal battle with co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The email, part of new documents released as evidence in Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, reveals her attempt to seek Affleck’s help during a tumultuous film production.
The message from Lively details the immense challenges she faced on the set of It Ends With Us, highlighting her efforts to manage the movie’s creative direction amid what she describes as chaotic conditions. Despite her outreach, there is no recorded response from Affleck among the released documents, although some materials remain sealed by the court.
Blake Lively’s Email Describes Struggles During Film Production
In her email, Lively begins with a direct appeal to Affleck:
“Ben, It’s Blake. Don’t hang up,”
indicating urgency. She then praises Affleck before explaining the difficulties she endured on the project, stating she had just
“come out the other side (well almost) of the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie.”
Lively describes being forced to rewrite the entire script and, in essence, direct the film herself due to the problematic involvement of the director, Justin Baldoni, who also acted as producer, financier, and studio head. She criticizes his “taste, ego and preexisting decisions” as complicating the process, leaving her to “troubleshoot” the production rather than focus on acting.
She added that the ordeal included severe human resources issues and referenced a
“wild HR issues and beyond,”
underscoring the hostile atmosphere on set. Lively then requests Affleck’s feedback on her cut of the film, emphasizing that her intention was zero-pressure.
Lively Seeks Support from Affleck and His Inner Circle
Blake also suggested that if Jennifer Lopez, who was married to Affleck at the time, were available, it would be
“an honor to have her take”
a look at the film as well. She compared this outreach to how her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had contacted Affleck’s close friend Matt Damon, who was likely viewing the film that weekend.
Lively closes her email by recognizing “good men” who “show up,” expressing a blend of disappointment and hope. She adds a pointed remark to Affleck, saying,
“If you’re still reading this, whoa. You’re not nearly as busy as you think. Or you’re a very nice person.”
Emails and Texts Shed Light on Growing Legal Conflict
The leaked email is part of a large release of communications that have drawn public attention. Other revealed messages include an email to Matt Damon and exchanges between Lively and Taylor Swift, who is reportedly estranged from Lively and may be summoned as a hostile witness by Baldoni’s legal team.
Blake Lively’s lawsuit, filed in December 2024, accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us and a campaign of retaliation aimed at smearing her reputation, allegations Baldoni denies. In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit claiming defamation and alleging that Lively effectively “robbed” him of control over the film, though this countersuit was later dismissed.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings and Potential Impact
The high-profile case is scheduled for trial in New York this May, where the evidence gathered—including these emails—will be scrutinized. The public release of such sensitive communications has intensified the media spotlight on the dispute, reflecting the escalating tension between Lively and Baldoni as well as the involvement of other celebrities linked to the case.
The situation reveals the complexities actors and filmmakers can face behind the scenes, especially when power dynamics and personal conflicts intersect. The way Ben Affleck’s silence in response to Lively’s plea will be perceived remains to be seen, but the released documents paint a picture of isolation during a critical moment for Lively.
