Just days after private messages sent by Ryan Reynolds, which contained harsh criticisms of actor Justin Baldoni, became public, Reynolds has spoken out to defend his comments. The messages, dating back to July 2024, reveal Reynolds referring to Baldoni in strongly negative terms, such as a “thoroughbred, predatory fraudster” and an “inexplicably toxic mess.” This exchange emerged as part of legal filings linked to Blake Lively’s ongoing lawsuit against Baldoni.
The unsealing of these messages on January 20 occurred amid escalating tensions connected to the lawsuit, where Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of their movie It Ends With Us. Reynolds’ involvement, especially through his harsh private language, has drawn widespread attention to the Ryan Reynolds Justin Baldoni controversy.
Background of Blake Lively’s Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni
The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni began in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit alleging that Baldoni sexually harassed her on set and retaliated against her for speaking out. She also accused him of running a smear campaign intended to damage her reputation during the promotion period for It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.
Baldoni countered with a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, accusing the couple of threatening to destroy his career and interfere with his creative control of the movie. However, Baldoni’s countersuit was dismissed in June 2025. The trial for Lively’s original claims is set for May 2025, marking a critical next stage in this high-profile dispute.
Details Emerged from Court Documents and Private Texts
In advance of the trial, hundreds of court exhibits totaling 181 pages of unsealed documents were made public. Among these were text messages between Reynolds and executives at his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME). These messages, sent near the time of the film’s release, expressed Reynolds’ frustration about the controversy overshadowing his wife’s success and the damage caused by Baldoni and others involved.
In one message, Reynolds wrote,
“I’m super frustrated because this is a moment in which Blake should be celebrating. She made this unbelievable win happen.”
He also insisted that Baldoni and others should openly confront the rumors and speculation without hesitation:
“Baldoni and these other buckets of dumb-dumb-juice should be acknowledging the speculation and gossip themselves. They should be jumping in front of it in the most full-throated, unqualified way. Now.”
Reynolds reportedly described the behavior of those involved with the film as having “made a big f*king mess,” defending his wife by stating she
“should not be subjected to some eye-roll-y narrative of the ‘controlling b*tch.’”
He further asserted,
“I’d put Blake’s reputation on trial any day of the week. She’s worked with… dozens of other mercurial, and ab*sive people. In her experience, nobody has ever reached the empyrean heights of vile the way Justin Baldoni has.”
Ryan Reynolds’ Strong Criticism of Justin Baldoni
In additional texts shared during the court proceedings, Reynolds characterized Baldoni’s conduct as
“a character study in malignant, lazy-lidded stupidity and darkness,”
condemning what he saw as Baldoni’s lack of remorse or concern for consequences. This explicit criticism has fueled the Ryan Reynolds Justin Baldoni controversy and stirred public debate.
Facing backlash after the messages surfaced, Reynolds’ representative issued a statement to Puck News defending his client’s actions. The spokesperson emphasized,
“Yes, Ryan got involved – what husband wouldn’t support his wife and the mother of his children?”
They added,
“He saw his wife fighting daily to stand up against s*xual harassment in a private and respectful way, only to face retaliation for doing so. If anything, Ryan feels like he wasn’t angry enough.”
The statement also stressed Reynolds’ commitment to safe workplaces, stating,
“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.”
Public Reaction and Skepticism Toward Reynolds’ Defense
Despite the representative’s defense, many social media users expressed doubt about the sincerity of Reynolds’ stance. Critics accused him of acting out of self-interest and argued that his public defense was driven by professional loyalty rather than genuine accountability.
One user commented,
“Of course, his rep is going to defend him. He goes against him and he out of work.”
Another wrote,
“His representation supports him because that’s about the only people supporting him after this statement. When is he gonna realize that the people supporting him are the ones that are making money off of him.”
Additional critics noted disturbing behavior, with one declaring,
“I can’t even explain how worrying his behavior is, and how he is presenting. It’s like him and Blake are obsessed with destroying someone.”
Another expressed frustration with Reynolds’ public statements, adding,
“When the ‘apology tour’ is just more attacks. This was certainly not what the PR person advised. But Blake and Ryan also know better than everyone else.”
Some social media users demanded Reynolds withdraw from the public eye on this matter, such as one who said,
“I think we have heard enough from Ryan Reynolds. Ryan and his wife own the mess they created. He should sit this one out or just go away.”
Additional Messages Reveal Attempts to Rally Support
Besides exchanges with his agency, text messages involving Reynolds, Lively, and other celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Matt Damon, and Damon’s wife Lucy, were also revealed. Reynolds invited the Damons to attend a screening of It Ends With Us, describing it as a zero-pressure ask and emphasizing the value of family time.
He wrote,
“We know how important family time is…so no worries either way. We’d LOVE to get your well-earned pov…And if your girls want to see it on the big screen at B’s family and friends screening Saturday at 6pm, they’re obviously most welcome!”
Reynolds also spoke humorously about the experience, saying,
“This movie has been one of the all-time zingers on and off set. One day, we’ll make a movie about the movie. And we can’t wait to tell you all about it. The stories are already finding their place in the pantheon of legendary Hollywood Insanity.”
Blake Lively later joined the chat, cautioning about the film’s sensitive subject matter by stating she was
“adding more zeroes to the pressure,”
and warning,
“Be warned, it covers domestic violence in key places, so I just want to be sure you know. This movie nearly k*lled me.”
Referring to Baldoni, Lively sent another message that bluntly criticized his professional abilities:
“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.”
Legal Experts Consider Timing and Strategy Behind Document Releases
Sources close to the case told Puck News that the public exposure of Reynolds’ private texts was “his worst nightmare,” highlighting that he is notably protective of his public image. Legal analysts have observed that the timing of the unsealing of these messages aligns with strategic maneuvers by both Blake Lively’s and Justin Baldoni’s legal teams as the trial date approaches.
By releasing such voluminous court exhibits, both parties appear to be attempting to strengthen their arguments and influence public opinion well before the trial begins, heightening the already intense drama surrounding this ongoing dispute.
Social Media’s Harsh Condemnation of Both Actors Intensifies
The Ryan Reynolds Justin Baldoni controversy has inflamed social media users, who continue to express strong disapproval. One netizen bluntly called the involved parties “a nasty bunch of bullies,” adding,
“Absolutely disgusting.”
Another critic labeled Reynolds himself as
“an absolute horror of a person.”
The public backlash underscores the complex emotions and mistrust this controversy has stirred among audiences, reflecting broader concerns about misconduct and accountability within the entertainment industry.
