Justin Baldoni has spoken publicly for the first time about his legal battle with Blake Lively, describing the "injustice and pain" he and his wife Emily endured during the year-long dispute.
First public statement on the lawsuit
In a five-minute Instagram video recorded with his wife, the It Ends With Us director addressed the lawsuit filed by Lively, his co-star in the film. "We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years, and it's not because we haven't had anything to say, because Lord knows we have," Baldoni said. "But … it just didn't feel like the right time."
The couple emphasized that the experience taught them the importance of friends, family, and faith. "Gratitude has saved us," Baldoni added.
Legal battle ends in settlement
Baldoni and Lively's legal fight, which lasted a year and a half, ended on 4 May when both parties agreed to settle Lively's lawsuit alleging breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation. The settlement prevented the case from going to trial. In late June, Lively filed for more than $8 million in legal fees from Baldoni and his studio; Baldoni has until 13 July to either challenge the claim or pay the amount.
Emily Baldoni described the ordeal as traumatic for their family. "We've had to wrestle with so many things and try to understand so many things," she said. "Like, how could something like this even happen? Let alone disguised as a fight for women. The truth is, reality is, that there's been a lot of trauma for us to move through as a family."
Gratitude and future revelations
Baldoni thanked supporters who stood by him during the legal fight. "There were so many of you who, when we didn't have a voice, were our voice," he said. "So many of you had discernment, and you used your intuition, and you trusted that. You have given your time to fight for us. And thank you does not feel like enough."
Emily Baldoni hinted that the couple would continue to share their side of the story. "There is so much more to say," she said. "That time will come, but for now, we are going to focus on continuing the healing and hanging out with our kiddos and enjoying life."
The Guardian has reached out to Lively's representative for comment.
