Justin Baldoni Addresses Controversy Surrounding It Ends With Us
Justin Baldoni publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the film “It Ends With Us” on Wednesday. In a brief video shared on Instagram with his wife, Emily, the couple expressed their gratitude for the support they received throughout their legal challenges.
In the video, Baldoni noted, “Gratitude saved us,” a sentiment that follows allegations made by Blake Lively regarding sexual harassment during the film’s production. Lively accused Baldoni of misconduct and claimed that his production company, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against her after she reported her concerns.
Baldoni has fiercely denied Lively’s allegations. Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Louis J. Lehman dismissed many of Lively’s claims, including those related to harassment and conspiracy. The judge ruled that these allegations couldn’t be pursued under federal civil rights law because Lively was classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee.
Although the judge did allow some claims to proceed—specifically breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation—the parties reached a settlement in May, just before the trial was set to commence. Following the release of Baldoni’s video, Lively’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Interestingly, Baldoni refrained from mentioning Lively or the ongoing legal battle in his nearly five-minute video. Instead, he reflected on the broader impact of their situation on their lives, stating that the couple wanted to avoid adding to the “noise” created by the conflict. “The truth and the facts speak for themselves and here we are,” Emily Baldoni added, reaffirming the couple’s commitment to finding peace.
Emily emphasized that their sense of gratitude does not negate the injustices and hardships they have faced over the past few years. She articulated how their family has struggled to comprehend the events unfolding around them, commenting on the challenges posed in standing up for women’s rights.
Lively made her allegations public in December 2024, roughly four months after the film debuted in theaters. She initially filed a complaint with the California Department of Civil Rights before escalating the issue to a federal lawsuit, highlighting a growing trend of accountability in Hollywood.
Baldoni, who gained fame for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” has largely stepped back from public life since the revelations, opting to communicate through legal channels while relocating to Nashville with his family. Prior to this recent video, Baldoni had not engaged with his Instagram followers since celebrating his wedding anniversary in June 2025. His professional endeavors have also been silent, with no announcements for new projects since the lawsuit commenced.
In January 2025, Baldoni countered with a lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion while claiming they attempted to tarnish his reputation for their gain. While many of these claims were dismissed by Judge Lehman, he did allow Baldoni to pursue a claim for economic damages under California’s protections for those who report sexual misconduct.
As the situation continues to unfold, Lively’s legal team has asserted that she is entitled to recover substantial attorney fees and court costs related to the defense against Baldoni’s allegations. Judge Lehman has requested a response from Baldoni and Wayfarer by July 13.
In Wednesday’s video, the Baldonis expressed heartfelt gratitude to their family, friends, and community for their unwavering support during this tumultuous period. Justin remarked, “We’re here because of so many of you,” emphasizing how adversity has revealed the power of love and community. Emily concluded by hinting at her ongoing desire to speak out but noted her priority is now centered on healing and family.
