In an audio message that surfaced on Monday via TMZ, actor and director Justin Baldoni is heard apologizing to his co-star and producer Blake Lively during the production of their film It Ends With Us.
The seven-minute voice note, reportedly sent at 2 a.m., sheds light on a behind-the-scenes exchange regarding script changes that Lively had worked on extensively.
Acknowledging Mistakes
In the message, Baldoni begins with a heartfelt apology:
“I want to start with an apology. Man, reading the second part of your message, my heart sank and I’m really sorry. I, for sure, fell short and you worked really hard on that,” he said. Baldoni continues, acknowledging his flaws:
“I am far from perfect. I’m a very flawed man, as my wife will attest, but I will always apologize and then find my way back to center. That is one thing I can assure you of. And I’m sorry I made you feel that way, that must have felt terrible.”
While the authenticity of the voice note has not been independently verified, the tone of the message reflects Baldoni’s apparent regret for not meeting Lively’s expectations on the project.
Creative Differences Turn Legal
The apology sheds light on the professional tensions between Baldoni and Lively, which later escalated into a public legal battle. Lively, who co-starred and produced It Ends With Us, filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2025, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the film’s production.
In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit, alleging that Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, interfered with the creative direction of the film. Baldoni’s lawsuit claims that Reynolds, who was not formally involved in the project, made unauthorized script changes at Lively’s request.
The Upcoming Trial
The legal dispute, which has gripped public attention, is set to go to trial on March 9, 2026, in New York. While both parties have denied each other’s allegations, the lawsuit has revealed significant creative and personal conflicts during the making of the film.
Impact on It Ends With Us
The movie, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel, delves into themes of intimate partner violence and was one of the most anticipated projects of the year. With Baldoni both directing and starring alongside Lively, the film had promised to bring emotional depth to Hoover’s characters. However, the ongoing disputes have cast a shadow over the project, sparking questions about the dynamics between the film’s stars and its eventual reception.
Awaiting Responses
As of now, representatives for both Lively and Baldoni have declined to comment on the audio note or the lawsuits. Meanwhile, fans and industry observers remain divided, with some expressing support for Lively’s stance as a producer and others applauding Baldoni’s willingness to apologize publicly.
This unfolding drama highlights the complexities of balancing professional relationships, creative differences, and personal accountability in Hollywood, leaving audiences eager to see how the legal battle—and the film—ultimately conclude.
The Information is Collected from CNN and USA Yahoo.
