Introduction

The legal battle between actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni has taken a new turn with the unsealing of court documents that reveal private text messages. These filings, part of Lively’s ongoing lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign, offer a glimpse into the strained relationship between the two stars during the production of the 2024 film It Ends With Us.

As the case prepares for a scheduled trial in May, these documents highlight the personal friction behind the scenes. This article breaks down the key exchanges, the legal context, and the broader implications of the dispute.

Key Points

Background

The Film and the Fallout

The dispute centers on the film It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel released in August 2024. Justin Baldoni directed the film and starred alongside Blake Lively. While the movie was a commercial success, reports of on-set tension surfaced shortly after its release.

The Legal Timeline

In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios. The complaint alleged sexual harassment and a coordinated effort to damage her reputation. Baldoni responded by filing a $400 million defamation countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

In June 2025, a judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit. However, Lively’s original lawsuit remains active, with a trial date set for May 2025. The recent unsealing of documents occurred ahead of a summary judgment hearing scheduled for January 22, 2026.

Analysis of Unsealed Text Messages

The unsealed documents provide a window into the interpersonal dynamics on set. While the legal teams frame these messages differently—Lively’s team citing “context” and Baldoni’s team citing a lack of evidence—the content reveals a breakdown in professional communication.

Lively’s Perspective

According to the filings, Blake Lively expressed frustration with Justin Baldoni’s behavior to friends and colleagues. In a series of texts, she referred to him as a “doofus director” and described him as “a clown” who “thinks he is a creator now.”

More seriously, Lively described feeling harassed. In one message, she wrote: “Despite his repeated annoying behaviour and acts, I still feel bad for him… To be reminded multiple times a day that he is smearing me for… asking him to not sexually or emotionally harass me?”

She further alleged that Baldoni was creating a narrative that painted her as a “monster” for requesting a professional working environment. She mentioned feeling “dreading” about returning to set and described specific visits as “SOS” situations.

Baldoni’s Perspective

Text messages attributed to Justin Baldoni suggest he was aware of the potential for legal action. In a message to Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath, Baldoni expressed concern that Lively might use allegations as leverage regarding the film’s promotion.

He wrote: “She had the nuclear bomb. If she does not promote the film she can leak that I’m a bad person or that she felt unsafe with me… Then she’s the victim.”

Baldoni’s legal team maintains that the full exchange of messages supports their defense, arguing that the evidence does not legally substantiate the claims of harassment.

Third-Party Correspondence

The documents also reference communications with high-profile figures:

• Taylor Swift: Texts allegedly show Swift commenting on Baldoni’s awareness of the situation, suggesting he “knew the lawsuit was coming.” Lively also texted Baldoni that her relationship with Swift and Ryan Reynolds would benefit him.
• Jenny Slate: The co-star reportedly texted Lively about “dreading” the set and experiencing “scary techniques.” Slate also provided a deposition alleging misconduct by Baldoni and Heath.
• Liz Plank: A former co-host of Baldoni’s podcast, Plank reportedly told Lively that working on the set was “probably the most worst days of [her] existence.”

Practical Advice for Understanding Celebrity Legal Disputes

High-profile legal battles involving celebrities often play out in the media, making it difficult to separate fact from narrative. Here is how to critically analyze such cases:

1. Distinguish Between Filing and Fact

Unsealed documents contain allegations, not convictions. In the Lively vs. Baldoni case, claims of harassment and retaliation are currently disputed allegations. Until a court rules or a settlement is reached, both parties’ statements remain part of their legal strategy.

2. Context is Crucial

Text messages can be decontextualized when released publicly. Lively’s legal team has argued that the released texts lack the full context of the conversation. When reading excerpts, consider that the full thread may contain nuances that alter the meaning.

3. Understand the Legal Process

The dismissal of Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit does not automatically validate Lively’s claims, nor does it invalidate them. It simply means the judge determined that the specific legal standards for defamation were not met at that stage. The primary lawsuit regarding harassment continues to move through the judicial system.

4. Avoid Speculation on Mental State

While texts describe emotions like frustration or dread, avoid speculating on the mental health of the individuals involved. Focus on the documented behaviors and legal standards rather than personal interpretations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What did Blake Lively call Justin Baldoni in the texts?

According to unsealed court documents, Blake Lively referred to Justin Baldoni as a “clown,” a “doofus director,” and a “rabid pig” in text messages sent to friends and associates.

Why is Blake Lively suing Justin Baldoni?

Blake Lively is suing Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and alleging he orchestrated a smear campaign against her. She claims the on-set environment was hostile and that she faced retaliation for raising concerns.

What was Justin Baldoni’s response to the lawsuit?

Justin Baldoni has strongly denied all allegations. He filed a $400 million countersuit for defamation, which was dismissed by a judge in June 2025. His legal team continues to assert his innocence regarding the harassment claims.

Is there a trial date set?

Yes, the trial is currently scheduled to begin in May 2025. There is also a summary judgment hearing scheduled for January 22, 2026, where a judge will rule on specific legal arguments before the trial begins.

Did Taylor Swift get involved?

Text messages reference Taylor Swift, suggesting she was aware of the tension. However, she is not named as a party in the lawsuit, and her role is limited to being mentioned in the text exchanges between Lively and others.

Conclusion

The unsealing of text messages between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni provides a clearer, though complex, view of the interpersonal conflicts that plagued the set of It Ends With Us. While Lively’s texts describe frustration and feelings of harassment, Baldoni’s communications suggest a fear of reputational damage.

As the legal proceedings move toward a trial in May, these documents highlight the importance of professional conduct and clear communication in high-stakes creative environments. Ultimately, the court will determine the validity of the harassment claims based on the full scope of evidence.