The tumultuous legal battle between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has become the focus of a new documentary titled He Said, She Said: Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni, which premiered on Channel 5 in the UK on March 17, 2025. The 90-minute film delves deep not only with the actors' allegations against each other but also highlights the cultural backdrop of the #MeToo movement's impact on Hollywood.
At the heart of the controversy are serious claims made by Lively, who alleges Baldoni engaged in sexual misconduct on the set of their film It Ends With Us. Reports indicate she accuses him of also hiring a public relations firm to orchestrate a smear campaign aimed to silence her about the incident. Baldoni has vehemently denied these allegations, responding with a staggering $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, along with her husband Ryan Reynolds and her publicist.
This documentary serves as a timely exploration of the underlying issues of the case and the public intrigue surrounding it. Ian Russell, head of international at ITN Productions, expressed the project's relevance, saying, "Produced by ITN’s transatlantic team, this special is a timely and in-depth telling of the Hollywood story which has captured the global zeitgeist." This sentiment captures the urgency and heightened interest as the drama between the stars and their respective legal arguments continues to capture media attention.
Lively's claims against Baldoni emerged at the height of the film's promotional tour, four months post-release, when the first allegations were made public. At the same time, Baldoni took to social media to vigorously defend himself, stating he has evidence to counter Lively's accusations. He allegedly prepared over 168 pages of evidentiary details, documenting correspondence and photographic evidence to refute her claims.
Denise Seneviratne, the commissioning editor at Channel 5, noted, "This story has captivated the world, perpetuated by social media, which is still gaining momentum. It feels really pertinent for us as a channel to be making this film within the ‘#Me Too’ framework." The documentary, aiming to dissect the public reactions and the influence of social media, draws viewers' attention to the wider conversation about accountability and ethics in Hollywood.
Amongst the tumult, the legal discourse around the case is poised to play out publicly, with efforts to keep certain details confidential. Following a recent four-and-a-half hour virtual court hearing, the presiding judge granted protective orders allowing some of Lively’s private records to be shielded from media exposure, labeling them “Attorneys’ Eyes Only” to mitigate potential commercial or personal harm.
The stakes are high for both parties. While Lively navigates the minefield of public opinion and legal ramifications, Baldoni's countersuit presents serious allegations which could redefine their careers. The trial is set for March 2026, and anticipation builds as the Hollywood machinations around their dispute continue to gather momentum.
A condensed version of the documentary, titled In Dispute: Lively v Baldoni, is expected to air on Investigation Discovery and stream on Max beginning March 31, 2025. This shorter cut aims to make the complex case accessible to U.S. audiences, inviting them to understand the broader narrative as the legal proceedings gear up.
Given the intense scrutiny and polarized responses from fans and industry insiders alike, the public eye remains transfixed on both Lively and Baldoni. Observers comment on the courtroom battle as moving through a metaphorical court of public opinion long before it reaches the actual trial, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and speculation. The documentary serves to document their tumultuous story, providing insight and prompting broader conversations on misconduct and accountability.
With social media playing a pivotal role, the documentary not only recounts this real-life drama but also reflects publicly on how these narratives are shaped and influenced by fans, critics, and cultural commentators. Both parties continue to attempt to assert their narratives, and the documentary provides the canvas for these stories to be interpreted broadly.
Fans and industry watchers alike are left to ponder the potential outcomes of the trial and what repercussions may arise for both Lively and Baldoni as they press on through these legal battles. Observers will be eager to see how the veracity of the claims presented is handled within the courtroom, as the subject matter continues to engage and provoke discussions far beyond Hollywood.
