A leaked voice note has surfaced showing Justin Baldoni lavishing praise on his It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively, months before their professional relationship deteriorated into a bitter legal battle. The recording, shared by TMZ, captures a seemingly harmonious moment that starkly contrasts with the subsequent allegations and lawsuits that have engulfed the film's production.
Gushing Praise in Leaked Audio
In the audio note, sent before production began on the 2024 film adaptation, director and co-star Justin Baldoni, 42, can be heard thanking actress Blake Lively, 38, for sending him photos from her early costume fittings. 'Hey Blake, I hope the fitting was super successful. Thank you for sending those pictures. That was really cool,' Baldoni said.
He continued with effusive compliments, stating, 'I was in the department head meeting, and they came through, and I was, like, waiting for them to load, and I legit got the chills when I saw it. And, you look beautiful.' The director concluded the message by optimistically adding, 'It's gonna work so well.' This warm exchange occurred prior to Lively filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, allegations he has consistently denied.
From Collaboration to Conflict
Despite this initial camaraderie, the working relationship between the two stars soured dramatically. The pair reportedly clashed over the creative direction of Lively's character, Lily Bloom's, wardrobe. Baldoni later claimed in legal documents that the film's budget increased by approximately $430,000 after Lively allegedly demanded her wardrobe be completely 're-shopped' to align with her vision for the character.
Allegations and Countersuits
Documents from Baldoni's since-dismissed $400 million defamation countersuit alleged that he and the studio 'ceded full control to Lively over her wardrobe' in an 'effort to maintain harmony' and 'avoid further delays,' a decision later described as 'regrettable.' The lawsuit further claimed Lively 'often' refused to attend fittings at a production office merely 15 minutes from her Manhattan home, instead demanding outfits be shipped to her at significant extra cost.
The conflict escalated when paparazzi photos from May 2023, showing Lively on set in outfits featuring patchwork, denim, and camouflage, were published and widely criticised. Baldoni's legal filings state he 'received direct criticism from Sony, who voiced serious concerns about the impact of the photos on the Film’s public reception.' In response, Lively reportedly supplemented the costumes by raiding her own jewellery collection and borrowing clothes from her friend, model Gigi Hadid.
Wider Fallout and Celebrity Involvement
The legal dispute has drawn in several high-profile Hollywood figures. Unsealed court documents reveal text messages in which Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, allegedly referred to Baldoni as a 'thoroughbred, predatory fraudster' and an 'inexplicably toxic mess' in messages to a talent agency executive. A lengthy, criticised email from Reynolds to author Colleen Hoover, which mocked Baldoni, was also included in the exhibits.
Furthermore, texts suggest Lively discussed the feud with friend Taylor Swift, who reportedly referred to Baldoni with a derogatory term, while Lively allegedly called him a 'doofus.' The actress also appears to have sought advice from Ben Affleck, with messages allegedly sent to his close friend Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso.
Core Legal Allegations
At the heart of the dispute is Lively's $160 million lawsuit, which alleges sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign by Baldoni. One key claim—that Baldoni made comments about her weight shortly after she gave birth to her fourth child—appears challenged by another leaked recording. In that audio, Lively speaks candidly to Baldoni in February 2023, weeks postpartum, with no discussion of weight, potentially undermining that specific allegation according to Baldoni's legal team.
Despite the film's commercial success, earning $148 million domestically and $350 million globally, its legacy is now overshadowed by this acrimonious legal battle. A judge dismissed Baldoni's defamation countersuit last year, and the trial for Lively's lawsuit is scheduled for May 2026 in New York.
