Ben Affleck has not responded to an email Blake Lively sent him in May 2024, which has recently gone viral amid her dispute with Justin Baldoni. The message was part of a large batch of documents released this week connected to Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, director and co-star of It Ends With Us. No reply from Affleck was included in the public filings, prompting speculation that he chose not to engage.
Although many exhibits were submitted under seal, the absence of a documented answer from Affleck stands out in the voluminous court records.
Details of Blake Lively’s Emotional Plea to Affleck
Lively’s email begins with a direct and personal approach:
“Ben, It’s Blake. Don’t hang up.”
She then praises Affleck before outlining her zero-pressure request. Lively explains that she has just
come out the other side (well almost) of the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie.
In the note, she reveals the extensive difficulties she faced, including having to rewrite and reconfigure the entire script while effectively managing the film’s direction.
She accuses Baldoni, who served multiple roles as director, actor, producer, financier, and studio head, of chaotic behavior that complicated the process. According to Lively, the experience would have been much easier if she had been allowed to direct the movie herself, but instead, she was forced to troubleshoot problems stemming from Baldoni’s taste, ego and preexisting decisions.
Lively also touches on serious workplace dynamics, stating:
And that’s not even touching on any of the wild HR issues and beyond,
before asking Affleck if he would consider watching her cut of the film and provide feedback.
Seeking Support and Feedback from Affleck and His Circle
In her message, Lively adds that if Affleck’s then-wife Jennifer Lopez was available,
it would be an honor to have her take
on viewing the film as well. She notes that her own husband, Ryan Reynolds, had reached out to Matt Damon, a longtime collaborator and friend of Affleck, who was likely to watch the movie that weekend. Lively emphasizes the importance of good men showing support during difficult times.
She closes the lengthy email with a blend of frustration and levity, saying,
“If you’re still reading this, whoa. You’re not nearly as busy as you think. Or you’re a very nice person.”
Public Reaction and Broader Legal Battle
The email has captured public attention alongside other leaked communications involving high-profile figures. Messages to Matt Damon and texts exchanged between Lively and Taylor Swift, her reportedly estranged friend, have also surfaced. Baldoni’s legal team intends to call Swift as a hostile witness as the case progresses.
Lively filed her lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us and initiating a retaliatory smear campaign, allegations Baldoni denies. In response, he filed a $400 million countersuit—now dismissed—claiming defamation and accusing Lively of undermining his control over the movie.
The trial is scheduled to take place in New York this coming May, marking a significant development in this ongoing high-profile dispute.
Implications of the Unanswered Plea
The lack of a response from Ben Affleck to Blake Lively’s heartfelt appeal underlines the tension surrounding the case and adds to the public perception of strained relationships within the industry. As the trial date nears, the involvement of celebrities like Affleck, Damon, Lopez, and Swift only amplifies the scrutiny. The outcome could influence not just the legal battle but also reputations and power dynamics behind the scenes of It Ends With Us.
