During the post-production phase of the film It Ends With Us, Blake Lively reached out to prominent industry figures to discuss both the film and her troubled relationship with co-star Justin Baldoni. In emails dated 2024, Lively asked for feedback on her version of the movie’s edits, revealing strained interactions with Baldoni at that time. The primary focus of this legal conflict is the Blake Lively Justin Baldoni lawsuit, which has brought new details to light about their collaboration and disputes.
In December 2024, Lively initiated a lawsuit against Baldoni alleging sexual harassment and efforts to harm her reputation. Baldoni countersued, but his case was dismissed. Several unsealed communications, including emails and text messages, have since exposed tensions and accusations exchanged during production.
Lively’s Emails to Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Outline Film Struggles
Blake Lively emailed Ben Affleck requesting his thoughts on her film cut, describing her experience on set as deeply upsetting. She told Affleck it was
“the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie”
(via The Hollywood Reporter). In a lengthy message, she accused Baldoni of overseeing the film’s chaos as the director, actor, producer, financier, and studio head—emphasizing that all these roles were held by the same person. Lively additionally claimed that
“he and everyone he had on the movie is in a cult.”
While Affleck’s direct response is unknown, Lively maintained correspondence with Matt Damon, a longtime friend of Affleck’s. Damon was involved after Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, requested he and his wife view her cut of the film. Lively described Baldoni’s multiple roles and lack of experience, stating,
“The director/costar/producer/financier/head of the studio (yes all one person) had zero experience, 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.”
She added,
“I wish even one of these things was hyperbole.”
Damon offered his support, promising to help her however he could and encouraged her to consider making her next film with his studio, Artists Equity.
Lively Seeks Affleck’s and Jennifer Lopez’s Opinions on Film Edit
In the same email to Affleck, Lively requested that he watch her edited version of the movie and provide any notes or suggestions. She expressed interest in feedback not only from Affleck but also from his children and Jennifer Lopez, who was Affleck’s wife at that time. Acknowledging the film’s heavy subject matter involving domestic violence, Lively stressed she wanted no one to be caught off guard but emphasized there was “zero pressure” for anyone to view the movie.
She wrote,
“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 continued,
“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.”
Lively’s Legal Team Responds as Trial Date Approaches
Following the public release of these documents, Blake Lively’s legal representatives issued a statement indicating readiness to hear Baldoni’s reply. The evidence includes sworn statements from It Ends With Us co-stars Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer, shedding light on the working environment during the film’s production.
Regarding Baldoni’s public persona as a proponent for women, Lively’s team criticized the contrast between his advocacy and his actions, pointing to newly released evidence. They stated,
“In his TedTalk to promote his brand as an advocate for women, Justin Baldoni said we must ‘listen to the women’…even if what they are saying is against you,’”
adding,
“See how he actually reacts in the bombshell new evidence released for the first time, which includes sworn testimony and contemporaneous messages from numerous women who actually worked with him.”
The trial is scheduled to commence on May 18, 2025, potentially bringing further developments in this high-profile dispute.
