Blake Lively Breaks Silence Amid Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni
Hollywood actor Blake Lively made her first late-night interview appearance since the legal battle between her and Justin Baldoni began. In January, the It Ends With Us director and star filed a $400 million suit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, claiming that they tried to destroy his career and hijack the movie, which Lively starred in alongside Baldoni, with sexual harassment allegations, which he denies.
On May 1st, Lively appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers to promote her new movie, Another Simple Favor. This sequel to the 2018 crime thriller A Simple Favor, co-starring Anna Kendrick, was made available on Amazon Prime on the same day. In the interview, she refused to reference Baldoni by name, instead hinting at difficulties in her personal life: "This year has been full of the highest highs and the lowest lows of my life. And I see so many women around afraid to speak, especially right now. Afraid to share their experiences. And fear is by design. It’s what keeps us silent,” she declared.
Lively went on to acknowledge her own privilege in the difficult situation, which has been closely followed by the public, stating, "I also acknowledge that many people don’t have the opportunity to speak. So I do feel fortunate that I’ve been able to.” She continued with a tribute to the female forces in her life: "And it’s the women who had the ability to use their voice that’s kept me strong and helped me in my belief and my fight for the world to be safer for women and girls. It’s a pretty simple thing.”
In the latest updates on the case, Lively’s attorneys motioned to dismiss the suit, arguing that her allegations were protected by litigation privilege. They also pointed to the Protecting Survivors from Weaponized Defamation Lawsuits Act of 2023, which was created to shield sexual harassment victims from vindictive defamation suits filed in response to their accusations. However, Baldoni’s team has argued that this law only applies to non-malicious claims made with a "reasonable basis." They claim Lively falsified her allegations, therefore, the suit should be allowed to stand.
Baldoni has also requested documents about Deadpool & Wolverine, as the filmmaker believes Reynolds and Lively were mocking him with the character Nicepool. Lively hinted at her feud with Baldoni during her appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers when she stated, "I have had a pretty intense year." Blake stated that 2025 has been filled with the highest highs and the lowest lows of her life. Lively is currently both suing and being sued by her former colleague over alleged abuses they claim took place on the set of their 2024 romantic drama.
In her initial lawsuit, filed in December 2024, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and organizing a smear campaign against her in the months that followed. Baldoni has denied the accusations and filed a countersuit accusing Lively and Reynolds of civil extortion, defamation, invasion of privacy, and other claims. His lawyers have also accused Reynolds of mocking Baldoni through the Nicepool character in his recent movie.
During her interview, Lively shared personal anecdotes about her family, stating, "My family’s good, thank you. I have three girls and a little boy now... boys are crazy." She also expressed how her children have been her lifeline in this tumultuous period. "It’s no surprise it’s been a pretty intense year and they’re just my lifeline. No matter what day I am having, I have to be Disneyland every day for them. It’s the best, it’s chaos,” she said.
The interview was Lively's first talk show appearance since her legal feud with Baldoni began last December. She and Baldoni are set to head to court in March 2026, with both parties preparing for what is shaping up to be a high-profile trial. In recent weeks, the public has been captivated by the unfolding drama, with many celebrities expressing support for Lively, including her co-stars and other prominent figures in Hollywood.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, both Lively and Baldoni's reputations hang in the balance, with the outcome of their lawsuits potentially reshaping their careers. The entertainment industry is watching closely, as the implications of this case extend beyond the two actors involved, touching on broader issues of power dynamics, sexual harassment, and the treatment of women in Hollywood.
While Lively has expressed her gratitude for being able to speak out, she has also highlighted the struggles of countless women who feel silenced. Her remarks resonate with many, as the #MeToo movement continues to shed light on the challenges faced by those who dare to speak up against abuse.
As both actors prepare for their court date, the public awaits further developments in this high-stakes legal drama, which has already captured the attention of fans and media alike.
