The ongoing legal dispute between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a new, dramatic turn with the leak of a 2 AM voice note Baldoni reportedly sent to Lively in April 2023. The recording, which was obtained by the Daily Mail, has provided fresh insight into the tensions between the two over a key scene in their film It Ends With Us.
The Leaked Voice Note and Its Impact
According to reports, the voice note features Baldoni apologizing to Lively for how he initially reacted to her proposed changes to a pivotal rooftop scene in the film. In the recording, Baldoni acknowledges that he “fell short” in handling the disagreement and admits to being a “flawed man.” He also expresses regret over his initial response and praises Lively’s vision for the scene.
The leak of this recording has further intensified the already messy legal battle between the two Hollywood stars. While the exact source of the leak remains unclear, both Baldoni and Lively’s legal teams have refrained from making direct statements regarding the voice note’s authenticity or context.
How Did the Legal Battle Start?
The lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni dates back to December 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment on the set of It Ends With Us. According to the lawsuit, Baldoni allegedly made inappropriate comments and engaged in unprofessional behavior that made the filming process difficult for Lively.
Lively’s lawyers argue that Baldoni attempted to intimidate and silence her when she raised concerns. They also claim that he started a public smear campaign against her, leaking private messages and emails to damage her reputation.
Baldoni’s $400 Million Countersuit Against Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Shortly after Lively filed her lawsuit, Baldoni hit back with a massive countersuit. In January 2025, he filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of:
- Civil extortion
- Defamation
- Invasion of privacy
Baldoni claims that Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane worked together to damage his career and personal reputation by spreading false allegations and leaking sensitive correspondence to the media. He argues that their actions violated his rights and caused significant financial and emotional distress.
Legal Proceedings: Where the Case Stands Now
With multiple lawsuits and counterclaims filed, the legal proceedings are becoming increasingly complex and high-profile. As of now:
- A pre-trial conference is scheduled for February 3, 2025, where Lively’s lawyers have requested the judge expedite hearings regarding a website Baldoni allegedly plans to launch, which would include all his correspondences with Lively.
- The actual trial is not set to begin until March 9, 2026, leaving more than a year of legal battles ahead.
Hollywood and Public Reaction
The explosive nature of this lawsuit has led to divided opinions in Hollywood and among fans. Some industry insiders have expressed support for Lively, emphasizing the importance of addressing misconduct allegations in the entertainment industry.
However, others believe Baldoni has been unfairly targeted and should have the opportunity to defend himself against what he calls “fabricated” claims. The leaked voice note has only made public discussions more intense, with some seeing it as evidence that Baldoni was remorseful and willing to collaborate, while others argue it proves the power imbalance between the two actors.
What Happens Next?
As the case continues to unfold, it is expected to bring more shocking revelations, legal maneuvering, and public scrutiny. The leaked voice note is just one piece of a larger legal puzzle that could reshape both Lively and Baldoni’s careers.
For now, all eyes are on the February 3 pre-trial conference and the possible launch of Baldoni’s website, which could further escalate tensions between the two parties. With the trial still more than a year away, this legal drama is far from over.
The information is collected from Variety and Yahoo.
