Hollywood actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni’s philanthropic branch, the Wayfarer Foundation, is officially closing its doors. The announcement comes at a time when Baldoni is embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with actress Blake Lively, his co-star in the 2024 adaptation of It Ends With Us. The foundation, known for its humanitarian work with underserved communities in Los Angeles, will begin a gradual wind-down process while fulfilling all existing commitments.
Official Closure Announced by Co-Founder Steve Sarowitz
On May 2, 2025, co-founder and longtime business partner Steve Sarowitz shared a formal statement on Instagram declaring the board’s unanimous decision to sunset the Wayfarer Foundation.
Sarowitz, a billionaire tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, emphasized that although the foundation’s chapter is ending, his dedication to service and charitable giving will continue through other avenues.
He acknowledged the surprise this news might cause but stressed that the organization will handle the closure responsibly:
“This news may come as a surprise, but we are actively working over the next several weeks to ensure all matters are concluded with care and attention.”
A Legacy of Compassion: What the Wayfarer Foundation Represented
Founded in 2016, the Wayfarer Foundation aimed to “advance humankind spiritually towards a future peaceful world civilization,” according to its official website. Deeply inspired by Baháʼí values and a commitment to social justice, the foundation focused on uplifting marginalized communities through a spiritual and community-based lens.
One of its most impactful programs was the Skid Row Carnival of Love, an annual event co-founded by Baldoni to support Los Angeles’ unhoused population. The event provided meals, medical care, grooming services, clothing donations, legal aid, and emotional support. It attracted thousands of volunteers each year and partnered with over 100 nonprofits.
“We have too many people who are isolated and being left behind by society,” Baldoni told The Hollywood Reporter in 2019. “But what’s been so amazing is finding that there are so many people in our cities who sincerely want to connect and give back.”
He continued, “We want to give people the tools to bring this to their own communities.”
Over the years, the Wayfarer Foundation became a model of integrating philanthropy with storytelling, aligning with Baldoni’s work at Wayfarer Studios, the media production company behind films like Clouds (Disney+) and It Ends With Us (Sony Pictures).
Legal Firestorm: Lawsuits Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
The foundation’s closure also coincides with Justin Baldoni facing serious legal challenges. In December 2024, Gossip Girl alum Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of It Ends With Us. The civil complaint alleges a pattern of inappropriate conduct and professional retaliation after Lively raised concerns.
Baldoni, 41, has strongly denied all allegations and responded with a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil extortion.
The lawsuit has ignited public debate and dominated entertainment headlines. According to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE, the actor claims the trio launched a “smear campaign” that caused irreparable harm to his career and reputation.
A trial date has been officially set for March 9, 2026, in Los Angeles. The proceedings are expected to be lengthy and contentious, involving multiple witnesses from the production team of It Ends With Us and associated executives.
Fallout and Industry Repercussions
As the legal drama unfolded, Baldoni faced professional fallout. His talent agency reportedly dropped him, and several of his ongoing media deals came under review.
Meanwhile, Blake Lively has cautiously stepped back into the public eye. Appearing on Late Night With Seth Meyers on May 1, 2025, Lively described the past year as filled with “highest highs and lowest lows,” alluding to the turmoil of the legal case without naming Baldoni directly.
“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to speak up — especially when you’re afraid of the consequences,” she said, emphasizing that she stood by her decision to seek justice.
Ryan Reynolds has also shown public support for his wife, making brief statements to the press asserting their confidence in the legal process.
The End of an Era for a Foundation That Aimed to Uplift
For supporters of the Wayfarer Foundation, the announcement marks the end of a nearly decade-long effort to promote kindness, justice, and community healing in underserved neighborhoods.
Although the foundation’s work will come to a halt, both Sarowitz and Baldoni have hinted at future philanthropic endeavors, though no formal plans have been announced.
As the entertainment industry continues to monitor the legal proceedings, the closure of the Wayfarer Foundation represents not just a financial and logistical decision, but a deeply personal chapter ending for Baldoni—who once envisioned the foundation as a legacy of hope and compassion.
