Blake Lively‘s assertion that Justin Baldoni fat shamed her following the birth of her fourth child is now under question after an audio clip surfaced, revealing she wanted to delay filming to get into “her best shape.” The recording, made in February 2023 shortly after Lively gave birth and months before filming began for the 2024 movie It Ends with Us, captures a candid conversation between Lively and Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film.
This newly released audio raises doubts about one of Lively’s strongest claims that Baldoni humiliated her by making comments about her weight during the production. The clip was unveiled as part of Baldoni’s motion to dismiss Lively’s $160 million lawsuit, which accuses him of sexual harassment and retaliation through a smear campaign.
Details from the Audio Reveal Lively’s Concerns About Returning to Work
In the recording, Lively voices her anxiety about returning to the set so soon after childbirth, expressing a desire to exercise daily while juggling filming commitments. She mentions discussing scheduling difficulties with the director of another project, Proxy, explaining that there was very limited time to prepare and that she had refused a request to postpone the start of shooting on It Ends with Us. Lively said,
“I’ve been really, really under it. I don’t talk to him (the other director) like I talk to you, so I haven’t told him about about not having a baby nurse – still don’t have one by the way.”
She described the short interval between films as a substantial strain, saying she wanted to concentrate on the production with Baldoni. The actress also recounted the stress she and husband Ryan Reynolds faced due to anticipated time apart during the summer.
Background of the Fat Shaming Claim and Related Accusations
Lively’s fat shaming allegation centers around a claim that Baldoni asked her longtime personal trainer Don Saladino about her weight, a conversation that Saladino reportedly found uncomfortable. Saladino testified that Baldoni’s question stemmed from concern about lifting Lively during a dance scene, which the actress’s complaint disputes, saying no such scene existed.
Lively maintains that these comments left her feeling humiliated, with Baldoni allegedly insisting she lose weight in just two weeks. The lawsuit also accuses him of sexual harassment on set and conducting a smear campaign against her. Baldoni denies all accusations and filed a $400 million defamation countersuit, which a judge dismissed last year.
Reactions from Ryan Reynolds and Legal Developments
According to legal filings, Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds reacted with outrage over the alleged fat shaming episode during a January 2024 meeting at their home. Baldoni’s documents state Reynolds demanded an apology and became “enraged” when the actor refused. Baldoni’s legal team described Reynolds as hostile, noting Baldoni
“had never been spoken to like that in his life.”
This confrontation is painted as a “traumatic encounter” in court papers, highlighting the tension between the parties. Despite Reynolds’ intervention, the legal battle continues, with Lively pursuing significant financial damages.
Insights from Depositions and Text Messages Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
Depositions from Saladino and other key individuals provide insight into the uncomfortable dynamics on set. Saladino acknowledged feeling uneasy when Baldoni questioned him about Lively’s weight, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding the issue. Baldoni, in turn, explained the questions related solely to his back problems and the need for safety during filming.
Additionally, private text exchanges between Baldoni and his PR team reveal the actor’s frustration with the turmoil impacting his reputation and the film. He mocked the film’s distributor Sony, claiming,
“Hi I’m Sony and I’m going to cozy up to Ryan (Reynolds) and erase Justin…Sony has no spine,”
reflecting his sense of isolation amid the crisis.
Texts also disclosed interactions with cast members, showing strained relationships. Baldoni lamented that Isabela Ferrer, who played a younger version of Lively’s character Lily Bloom, now refused to mention his name despite describing the set as a “comfortable safe space.”
Contradictions Surrounding On-Set Incidents and Alleged Misconduct
One of Lively’s allegations involved a scene where Baldoni supposedly made a suggestive comment about her neck smelling “so good,” which led her to claim he “nuzzled” her neck without consent during an unscripted moment. However, raw footage introduced by Baldoni’s lawyers contradicts this version. The video shows a lighthearted exchange in which Baldoni jokes about rubbing his beard on Lively, who laughs, and the two make playful remarks about her spray tan and body makeup.
This footage weakens Lively’s claim by portraying the interaction as friendly rather than inappropriate, challenging her account of the event.
Potential Impact of the Audio Release on the Ongoing Legal Case
The emergence of this audio recording disrupts key elements of Blake Lively’s claims and could undermine her legal position in the high-profile lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. As the May trial approaches in New York, these revelations may influence both public perception and judicial outcomes.
With several contradictory accounts, the case hinges on the credibility of the parties involved and the interpretation of communications and behavior on set. The dispute not only sheds light on allegations of fat shaming and sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry but also exposes the challenges faced by public figures navigating complex personal and professional conflicts.
