The feud between actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has taken a dramatic turn, with Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, shedding light on the situation in a recent appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show. During the episode, Kelly played an alleged voice message from Baldoni in which he detailed events at the August 6, 2024, premiere of It Ends With Us. Baldoni claimed he was excluded from the event’s main activities and relegated to the basement of AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City, reportedly at Lively’s insistence. This alleged incident has fueled ongoing rumors of tension between the two stars.
Reports first surfaced after Baldoni did not take photos with Lively or the rest of the cast during the premiere, leading fans and media to speculate about a possible rift. The new details in the voice message provide a deeper insight into the controversy and its potential implications for both actors’ careers.
Baldoni’s Emotional Account of the Premiere Night
In the alleged voice message, Baldoni expressed disappointment and disbelief over how the premiere unfolded. He described being escorted away from the red carpet and separated from the film’s cast:
“On what could have been one of the most beautiful nights of my life career-wise, I literally was sent to the basement with all my friends and family for over an hour because I wasn’t allowed to be seen. She didn’t want me anywhere near her or the rest of the cast.”
Baldoni recounted how the situation affected him emotionally, but he also highlighted the unexpected joy he found in the moment:
“They ushered me off the carpet and sent us down to the basement. My friends and family, the people that love me the most, were there with me. We started laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation. On a night that was supposed to be materially joyful, I found true joy in being surrounded by those who care for me most. None of the materialistic stuff matters. That’s not why we’re in the business. We’re in it to create art that moves people’s souls.”
Despite the setback, Baldoni emphasized his commitment to his work and the importance of creating meaningful art, adding, “The truth will prevail, and light and love will win.”
Blake Lively’s Serious Allegations Against Baldoni
The tension between Baldoni and Lively extends beyond the premiere night. In late December 2024, Lively filed a formal complaint accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us. The complaint also alleged that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign to damage Lively’s reputation during the film’s release. Her legal team described the claims as being “backed by concrete facts” and vowed to pursue justice in court.
In a statement issued on January 6, Lively’s representatives stated:
“This is not a ‘feud’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation. As outlined in Ms. Lively’s complaint, Wayfarer Studios and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory actions against her for simply trying to protect herself and others on set. Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and industry.”
The statement further criticized attempts to undermine Lively’s credibility, noting that tactics like victim-blaming and reversing the roles of offender and victim trivialize serious allegations of misconduct.
Baldoni’s Legal Response and Defamation Lawsuit
Baldoni has denied the allegations and launched a counteroffensive, filing a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. The lawsuit alleges that the publication’s coverage of Lively’s complaint and Baldoni’s alleged smear campaign was both false and damaging to his reputation.
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, has also hinted at additional legal actions directly against Lively. During an interview with NBC News, Freedman stated:
“Justin absolutely plans to sue Ms. Lively over her baseless accusations. We are prepared to release every single text message and email to let the public see the truth.”
Freedman reiterated these points during his appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, where he expressed confidence in proving Baldoni’s innocence. He suggested making all communications related to the case publicly available to allow people to determine the truth for themselves.
Legal Teams Prepare for Battle
The conflict is poised to escalate as both parties prepare for legal battles in federal court. Lively’s legal team has emphasized the importance of resolving the matter through the legal system, rather than in the court of public opinion. They criticized Baldoni’s camp for using media appearances to sway public perception, stating:
“Media statements are not a defense to Ms. Lively’s claims. We will continue to pursue justice in court, where hyperbole and threats hold no weight.”
Broader Implications for Hollywood
The allegations and counterclaims have overshadowed the release of It Ends With Us, a highly anticipated adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. While the film was expected to be a milestone in both actors’ careers, the controversy surrounding its production and promotion has taken center stage. Fans and industry insiders alike are closely watching the situation, as it raises important questions about accountability and workplace conduct in Hollywood.
This case also highlights the broader issue of how allegations of misconduct are handled in the entertainment industry. The responses from both camps reflect a growing trend in which public narratives are shaped as much by legal filings as by media strategies. As more details emerge, the case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are addressed in the future.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both Baldoni and Lively are expected to present additional evidence to support their claims. The outcome of the case could have significant ramifications for their careers and the wider industry. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served.
This ongoing saga serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing allegations of misconduct and the impact such cases can have on those involved.
The Information is Collected from Variety and Yahoo.
