Ryan Reynolds has come forward to support his wife, Blake Lively, through recently revealed private text messages connected to her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni. These messages were made public during this high-profile case, highlighting Reynolds’ strong stance in defense of Lively. The actor’s support reflects deep frustration over the accusations and the circumstances surrounding Lively’s claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.
The keyword Ryan Reynolds supports Blake Lively is evident in the actor’s vocal defense, as he expresses anger towards the treatment of his wife during the course of the dispute, which centers around the 2024 film It Ends With Us.
Inside the Text Messages: Reynolds’ Fiery Remarks Against Justin Baldoni
Unsealed messages sent by Reynolds reveal his sharp criticisms of Justin Baldoni and others involved in the controversy. In August 2024, coinciding with the film’s successful opening weekend, Reynolds communicated his frustration to his agent Warren Zavala, emphasizing that Lively should have been celebrating her win rather than facing baseless gossip. He stated Baldoni and his associates should directly address the rumors to protect Lively’s reputation.
Reynolds disparagingly described Baldoni in a July 2024 text to a WME executive, calling him a “thoroughbred, predatory fraudster” and an “inexplicably toxic mess.” He compared Baldoni’s behavior unfavorably to others Lively had worked with, emphasizing the extreme nature of Baldoni’s alleged actions:
“I’d put Blake’s reputation on trial any day of the week. She’s worked with … dozens of other mercurial, and abusive people. In her experience (and mine) nobody has ever reached the empyrean heights of vile the way Justin Baldoni has. His complete lack of not only remorse but self-preservation is a character study in malignant, lazy-lidded stupidity and darkness.”
— Ryan Reynolds’ private text
He further condemned the narratives casting Lively negatively, insisting she should not have to endure being labeled a “controlling bitch” amid the dispute.
Reynolds’ Representative Responds to Text Revelations
Following the public release of these texts, a spokesperson for Reynolds clarified his involvement in the situation to Puck News. The representative emphasized that Reynolds, as a husband and father, naturally supports Lively’s fight against what they perceive as retaliation connected to her sexual harassment allegations. They stressed his continued commitment to advocating for a safe workplace free from harassment and retaliation, stating:
“Yes, Ryan got involved — what husband wouldn’t support his wife and the mother of his children?”
— Reynolds’ representative
“He saw his wife fighting daily to stand up against sexual harassment in a private and respectful way, only to face retaliation for doing so,”
— Reynolds’ representative
“If anything, Ryan feels like he wasn’t angry enough. He passionately believes in and will stand up for the basic right to a safe workplace free of harassment and retaliation for his wife and others. Then, now and always.”
— Reynolds’ representative
Legal Positions: Baldoni’s Team Denies Allegations and Counters Lively’s Claims
Justin Baldoni’s legal counsel, including attorney Bryan Freedman, has firmly denied the accusations and disputed the evidence presented by Lively. Freedman stated on January 21, 2025, that the motions and internal communications from Sony undermine her legal claims. He expressed confidence in the judicial process, indicating that the truth favors Baldoni:
“As stated all along, and reflected in our clients’ motions, as well as in messages from Sony discussing Ms. Lively’s behaviors, the evidence does not support [Lively’s] claims as a matter of law. A simple read of the newly released message exchanges make the truth abundantly clear. We remain confident in the legal process and clearing the names of all the Justin Baldoni parties.”
— Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer
Baldoni’s team has also alleged that Lively and Reynolds misused their influence in Hollywood to damage his career. A countersuit filed by Baldoni accused the couple of defamation and extortion, claiming:
“This is a case about two of the most powerful stars in the world deploying their enormous power to steal an entire film right out of the hands of its director and production studio,”
and
“Then, when Lively and Reynolds’ efforts failed to win them the acclaim they believed they so richly deserved, they turned their fury on their chosen scapegoat.”
— Baldoni’s legal team
However, the judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit against Lively and Reynolds, dealing a setback to his defense.
An Overview of the Legal Dispute and Future Proceedings
Blake Lively filed her lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation. She is seeking over $160 million in damages. The trial is scheduled to take place in New York in May 2026. Baldoni denies all allegations.
In response to the lawsuit, Baldoni was dropped by his agency WME in December 2024. Despite rumors suggesting Reynolds pressured Baldoni’s agent during the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere, WME denied these claims, saying:
“Baldoni’s former representative was not at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client.”
— WME statement
Support from Lively’s Legal Team Highlights Widespread Allegations on Set
Sigrid McCawley, Lively’s attorney, spoke out on January 22, highlighting the extent of the claims made by various women involved in the production. McCawley pointed to evidence from unsealed materials that women in multiple roles—producers, writers, cast, and crew—experienced conduct they found inappropriate. She criticized the dismissal of these complaints as trivial, saying:
“The overwhelming evidence revealed by the unsealed materials shows that women in every role on set — from producers, to writers, to cast, to crew — experienced what they believed was inappropriate conduct. Baldoni’s team dismissed them as ‘trivial,’ but there is nothing trivial about sexual harassment.”
— Sigrid McCawley, attorney for Blake Lively
The Broader Impact on Hollywood and Workplace Culture
The dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, amplified by Ryan Reynolds’ vocal defense, reflects a larger reckoning within Hollywood regarding workplace conduct and accountability. As the court case moves forward, it sheds light on the challenges actors and filmmakers face when addressing allegations of harassment and retaliation. Reynolds’ open support of Lively underscores the rising demand for safe, respectful environments in the entertainment industry, while the legal battle highlights the high stakes involved for all parties.
The trial’s outcome in May 2026 is expected to have significant repercussions for workplace policies across film productions and could influence how future claims are handled within Hollywood circles.
