Hollywood is grappling with a sensational legal and public dispute centered around actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni. At the heart of this unfolding drama is a recently unsealed email from Lively to acclaimed filmmaker Ben Affleck, sent in May 2024. This private correspondence has brought to light explosive allegations of workplace misconduct, creative clashes, and “wild HR issues” that reportedly plagued the production of their highly anticipated film, It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The email, seeking Affleck’s seasoned counsel on an editing “bake off,” offers a stark glimpse into the tumultuous behind-the-scenes environment.
The Unsealed Email That Ignited a Firestorm
Blake Lively’s direct appeal to Ben Affleck arrived during a critical juncture for It Ends With Us. In her May 2024 email, now public through court filings, Lively described the film’s production as “the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie,” a project that “nearly killed me.” She sought Affleck’s expertise, sharing her version of the film’s edit and asking for “any ideas or notes,” even suggesting a simple voice memo would suffice. Lively also mentioned her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had asked Matt Damon to review her cut, underscoring the high-profile support she sought amidst the escalating conflict.
Inside Lively’s ‘Chaotic Clown’ Allegations
Lively’s email didn’t mince words regarding her creative differences with Justin Baldoni. She claimed she “ended up rewriting and restructuring the entire script,” officially penned by Christy Hall. More strikingly, Lively alleged she was forced to “direct the movie via the chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center,” a clear reference to Baldoni. She further asserted that Baldoni and “everyone he had on the film is in a cult,” highlighting the bizarre and unsettling atmosphere she reportedly endured. Beyond creative control, Lively detailed “wild HR issues,” painting a picture of a dysfunctional set.
A Battle for Creative Control and Reputation
The email to Affleck underscores a deeper struggle for creative authority on It Ends With Us. Court filings suggest Lively informed Sony Pictures she would refuse to promote the film unless granted significant input in the editing process. Baldoni’s legal team, conversely, claims Lively orchestrated a smear campaign to gain creative control and salvage her own reputation. This narrative sets the stage for a contentious legal and public battle, where both sides accuse the other of manipulative tactics. Lively’s outreach to industry heavyweights like Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, and Matt Damon, seeking their feedback on her cut, further illustrates the intensity of her investment and determination.
Explosive Allegations: Harassment and Retaliation
Beyond the “chaotic clown” remarks, Lively’s subsequent legal filings detail more severe accusations against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. She alleged sexual harassment, claiming Baldoni pressured her for near-nudity during a hospital birth scene, despite her expressed discomfort and requests for a hospital gown. Lively noted a lack of privacy during filming, the presence of non-essential crew, and an “inappropriate” visit from the film’s financier during the sensitive scene. She also accused producer Jamey Heath of showing her a video of his wife giving birth, an interaction she deemed unprofessional. Lively’s formal complaint to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) in December 2024 explicitly accused Baldoni and his associates of retaliation after she voiced concerns about “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior.”
The Legal Back-and-Forth: Lawsuits and Dismissals
The revelations sparked a rapid escalation of legal maneuvers. After The New York Times published a report citing Lively’s CRD complaint in December 2024, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, vehemently denied the allegations as “categorically false” and a “desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation.” In quick succession:
Talent agency WME dropped Baldoni as a client (December 2024).
Author Colleen Hoover and several castmates publicly supported Lively (December 2024).
Baldoni and associates filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, which the Times vowed to “vigorously defend” (December 2024).
Lively filed her own federal lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer (December 2024).
Baldoni and his team filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Lively’s publicist Leslie Sloane for civil extortion and defamation, accusing Lively of seizing creative control (January 2025).
A judge dismissed Baldoni’s substantial countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane in June 2025, a significant win for Lively’s legal team, who described Baldoni’s actions as “another chapter in the abuser playbook,” utilizing DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim Offender) tactics.
Industry Reactions and Shifting Alliances
The legal turmoil sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Public figures, including author Colleen Hoover, Jenny Slate, and Brandon Sklenar, expressed solidarity with Lively. Liz Plank, Baldoni’s co-host on “The Man Enough Podcast,” quietly departed, citing her commitment to “calling out injustice.” Even Baldoni’s former publicist, Stephanie Jones, sued him and his current PR team, alleging a conspiracy. Amidst the ongoing legal saga, Baldoni’s team attempted to subpoena pop superstar Taylor Swift in May 2025, accusing Lively of using her friendship for leverage. Swift’s representative swiftly dismissed this as “tabloid clickbait,” and the subpoena was later withdrawn. This series of events highlights the intense scrutiny and divided loyalties surrounding the dispute.
The Road Ahead: Awaiting Trial
Despite the dismissal of Baldoni’s countersuit, Blake Lively’s core allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios remain active. Lively’s legal team continues to frame her actions as a crucial fight against workplace misconduct. The highly anticipated trial for Lively’s claims is currently scheduled for March 9, 2026. The deposition of Lively in July 2025, with Baldoni and other defendants present, marked another critical step in the arduous legal process, signifying the unwavering commitment from both sides to contest the events that transpired during the production of It Ends With Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific accusations did Blake Lively make against Justin Baldoni regarding ‘It Ends With Us’?
Blake Lively made several serious accusations against Justin Baldoni. In an email to Ben Affleck, she described him as a “chaotic clown” director, alleging he held multiple conflicting roles and created an environment with “wild HR issues” and a “cult-like” atmosphere. Her formal legal complaints further detail allegations of sexual harassment, including being pressured for excessive nudity during a hospital birth scene despite her discomfort, and a lack of privacy on set. She also accused Baldoni and his team of retaliation after she voiced concerns about “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior.”
How did Blake Lively’s private email to Ben Affleck become public knowledge?
Blake Lively’s email to Ben Affleck was unsealed as part of ongoing court filings in the legal dispute between Lively and Justin Baldoni. It emerged within a 73-page document filed in January 2025 by Baldoni’s legal team, specifically in support of a motion for summary judgment. This legal maneuver made the private correspondence, where Lively sought Affleck’s advice on her cut of the film, accessible to the public and the media, revealing the extent of the behind-the-scenes tensions.
What is the current status of the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
The legal dispute is ongoing and complex. A significant development occurred in June 2025 when a judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, which alleged civil extortion and defamation. However, Blake Lively’s federal lawsuit and her California Civil Rights Department complaint against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, are still active. The trial for Lively’s primary claims is currently scheduled to commence on March 9, 2026.
The Enduring Impact of the ‘It Ends With Us’ Controversy
The revelations surrounding It Ends With Us and the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni represent a pivotal moment in Hollywood’s evolving conversation about workplace dynamics and accountability. The unsealed email to Ben Affleck, while a single piece of evidence, catalyzed a public reckoning, bringing to the forefront critical questions about power, creative control, and safety on film sets. As the industry anticipates the 2026 trial, this high-profile dispute continues to spark discussion and scrutiny, underscoring the complexities and challenges of navigating professional relationships within the entertainment world.
