Leaked Texts Rock Blake Lively Lawsuit: The Smoking Gun Everyone’s Talking About

The ongoing legal drama between actress Blake Lively and actor/director Justin Baldoni has gripped the entertainment industry, as the dispute continues to unfold amidst a storm of lawsuits and counter-lawsuits. At the heart of the case are leaked text messages, which have become a central point of contention and evidence in the litigation. Blake Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the production of the film It Ends With Us, while Baldoni vehemently denies the allegations and has filed his own lawsuits claiming defamation, extortion, and invasion of privacy against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others involved.

The case has drawn attention not only for the serious allegations but also for the role that these private text messages have played in shaping the narrative of the legal battle. These communications, now at the center of the case, are being scrutinized for their potential to either corroborate or undermine the claims made by both parties. As the legal teams on both sides continue to present their interpretations of the messages, the stakes of the case have escalated, with significant implications for Hollywood’s handling of such allegations and the role of public relations in high-profile disputes.

Background to the Lawsuit: Tensions on Set and Rising Discord

It Ends With Us, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, initially appeared to be a promising collaboration between Blake Lively, who starred as Lily and served as a producer, and Justin Baldoni, who directed, co-starred as Ryle, and also produced. Upon the film’s release in August 2024, Baldoni publicly praised Lively, calling her “strong, funny, and intelligent,” and acknowledging her influence on the production. However, reports soon began circulating that tensions had arisen on set, with rumors suggesting a falling out between the two stars.

As promotional activities for the film began, the relationship between Lively and Baldoni appeared strained. Lively and several other cast members allegedly unfollowed Baldoni on social media, fueling rumors of deeper issues. These reports painted a picture of an escalating conflict that would eventually give way to a series of legal actions.

Lively’s legal filing later revealed that she had raised concerns about Baldoni’s behavior during the film’s production. According to her, the director and producer Jamey Heath engaged in inappropriate behavior, including objecting to improvised sexual content and actions that made her uncomfortable. These concerns formed the basis for Lively’s lawsuit, which would accuse Baldoni of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign.

Blake Lively’s Allegations: Sexual Harassment and Smear Campaign

In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a significant lawsuit against Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, producer Jamey Heath, and others. The lawsuit centered on allegations of sexual harassment, including unwanted physical contact, inappropriate comments, and violations of her personal boundaries. Lively also claimed that Baldoni entered her trailer uninvited while she was breastfeeding and that there were instances of unscripted kissing scenes and nuzzling that she found inappropriate.

Beyond the harassment claims, Lively’s lawsuit also alleged a coordinated smear campaign against her, orchestrated by Baldoni and his public relations team. She claimed that after speaking out about the harassment, Baldoni and his associates manipulated social media narratives, planted negative stories, and suppressed negative press about Baldoni. The lawsuit specifically named publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel as being involved in this alleged campaign. Lively’s legal team also referenced a “Protections for Return to Production” contract that was meant to ensure a safer working environment, which they alleged Baldoni violated.

Justin Baldoni’s Response and Counterclaims: Defamation and Privacy Violations

In response to Lively’s allegations, Justin Baldoni has vehemently denied the claims, calling them “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt” him. He has filed counter-lawsuits, including a $250 million libel case against The New York Times for reporting on the allegations and a $400 million civil lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane. Baldoni’s lawsuits claim defamation, extortion, and invasion of privacy, asserting that Lively threatened to make false accusations of sexual harassment in an effort to gain creative control over the film.

Baldoni has also released alleged text message exchanges and behind-the-scenes footage to counter Lively’s narrative. These communications, which include messages between Baldoni, Lively, Reynolds, and other individuals involved in the production, have provided further fuel for both sides in this complex legal dispute.

The Role of Leaked Text Messages: Key Evidence in the Legal Battle

The leaked text messages have emerged as a central piece of evidence, with both sides using the communications to support their respective claims. The texts, which were allegedly leaked by Stephanie Jones, Baldoni’s former publicist, have sparked additional legal actions. Jones, who left Baldoni’s PR firm and founded her own company, is accused of violating client confidentiality by sharing private texts between Baldoni, Lively, and other individuals. Baldoni’s lawsuit claims that Jones intentionally turned over these communications to Lively’s legal team without a subpoena, allowing them to selectively use the messages to construct their narrative.

One key exchange reportedly shows Lively inviting Baldoni to her trailer while she was using her breast pump. Baldoni’s legal team has used this text to suggest that there was a level of comfort between the two actors that contradicts Lively’s later allegations of harassment. Additionally, other messages between Lively and Baldoni discuss wardrobe choices, with Lively allegedly expressing a desire for “sexier” clothing for her character. Baldoni’s team claims this text shows that Lively’s own input on her character’s appearance was not objectified but part of a creative conversation.

In contrast, a text from Baldoni to producer Jamey Heath reveals his anxiety about discussing wardrobe with Lively, stating that he was “f***ing terrified of saying the wrong thing,” which some may interpret as evidence of his concern for her comfort on set.

The leaked messages are likely to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the lawsuit, as they offer insight into the dynamics between the individuals involved and provide context for the allegations. With both sides using the messages to either support or dispute the claims of harassment and retaliation, the legal team’s ability to present these texts in the most compelling light could prove decisive.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Legal Drama

The case between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to unfold with each new development adding complexity to the already intricate legal landscape. With the involvement of high-profile publicists, legal teams, and the intense media scrutiny, the leaked text messages have emerged as a critical tool in this high-stakes battle. As both sides prepare for the next phase of litigation, the ultimate resolution of this case may have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for how Hollywood addresses allegations of misconduct and handles public relations crises in the future.