Jenny Slate Makes First Public Appearance Following Explosive Text Message Release
Actress Jenny Slate made her first public appearance on Friday at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, just days after the release of unsealed text messages in which she strongly criticised her former It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The 43-year-old star was promoting her upcoming romantic drama Carousel alongside co-star Chris Pine and writer-director Rachel Lambert.
Sundance Appearance Amid Legal Controversy
Slate's appearance at the festival marked a significant moment as it represented her first public outing since the text messages became public as part of Blake Lively's sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni. The festival itself is undergoing transition, with this edition being the final one held in Park City before relocating to Boulder, Colorado for 2027.
On the red carpet, Slate presented a somber appearance, wearing a relaxed outfit suitable for Park City's winter climate. Her ensemble featured a grey V-neck sweater layered over a white shirt, paired with dark blue relaxed-fit jeans and black shoes. Her dark hair was styled in a short blunt-cut bob.
Explosive Text Messages Revealed
The text messages, obtained by the Daily Mail and unsealed this week, reveal Slate's harsh criticism of her experience filming It Ends With Us. In communications with a confidante, she described the production as 'a really gross and disturbing shoot' and expressed serious concerns about Baldoni's professionalism.
In the messages, Slate questioned how Baldoni had delivered a TED Talk in December 2017, stating: 'He is worse than most of the bros I've encountered, not because he's predatory but because of his general fragility and misogyny, like not seeming to be aware of any of the obvious no-no's.' She further accused him of crafting a false persona as a male feminist.
Legal Proceedings and Industry Fallout
The text messages emerged from Slate's deposition on September 26, 2025, in New York City, where she was questioned about her communications regarding the film's production. The messages form part of the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, with Lively having filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024.
Baldoni has consistently denied all allegations against him and previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Lively, which was dismissed in June. His attorney Bryan Freedman stated: 'As stated all along, and reflected in our client's motions, as well as in messages from Sony discussing Ms. Lively’s behaviors, the evidence does not support the claims as a matter of law.'
Carousel Promotion and Co-star Support
During the Sundance appearance, Slate's mood appeared to brighten when joined by her Carousel co-star Chris Pine and director Rachel Lambert. Pine sported a stylish double-denim western look complete with tan suede cowboy boots, while Lambert mirrored Slate's casual style with a purple cable knit sweater and jeans.
The trio participated in a conversation about their new film at the Variety Studio. Carousel features Pine as Noah, a divorced doctor whose daughter Maya joins her school debate team. Slate plays Rebecca, Maya's debate coach who is revealed to be a former love interest of Pine's character, creating complex emotional dynamics as they consider rekindling their relationship.
Concern for Co-star Blake Lively
In her text messages, Slate expressed particular concern for Blake Lively, who starred alongside her in It Ends With Us. She wrote: 'I'm not scared or anything, just repulsed and deeply irritated, and I know Blake is experiencing that on a much more serious level.' Slate also indicated she had filed an HR complaint during filming and expressed discomfort about participating in promotional activities with Baldoni.
Industry Impact and Future Proceedings
The controversy has cast a shadow over It Ends With Us, which was a commercial success earning $148 million domestically and $350 million globally. The film, based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel, featured a storyline about toxic relationships that now parallels the real-life conflicts between its stars.
The legal case is scheduled to return to court for a January 22 hearing, with a trial date set for May 18. Lively's legal team, led by Sigrid McCawley, has emphasised the importance of the newly released evidence, stating that it reveals how Baldoni reacts when women speak out against him.
As the entertainment industry watches these developments unfold, Slate's Sundance appearance represents both a professional commitment to her new project and a personal navigation of the ongoing controversy surrounding her previous work. The situation continues to develop as all parties maintain their positions while legal proceedings advance.
