Paul Feig Breaks Silence on Blake Lively’s Legal War: “She’s the Best—I’ve Had Enough”

Amid Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle with It Ends with Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, Another Simple Favor director Paul Feig is stepping up in defense of the actress. In an exclusive interview with Esquire, Feig, who has worked closely with Lively, praised her professionalism and slammed the public outrage surrounding her situation, calling it “boring” and misguided.

Lively, who has been embroiled in a legal dispute with Baldoni since December 2024, alleges that Baldoni launched a smear campaign against her after she reported workplace harassment and safety concerns during the production of It Ends with Us. Lively filed a lawsuit claiming retaliatory defamation, while Baldoni countersued, accusing her and other defendants—including her husband, Ryan Reynolds—of defamation and contractual violations, demanding a hefty $400 million in damages. The legal battle is set to go to trial in March 2026, but in the meantime, Lively’s supporters, including Feig, are voicing their support.

Feig, who directed Lively in Another Simple Favor, took to the interview to express his admiration for the actress, describing her as “an amazing collaborator” and a consummate professional. “When I read people’s misconceptions about how movies are made, it’s just frustrating for me,” Feig explained. “Every star I’ve worked with works this way. The idea that a star just shows up and you go ‘Here’s the script’ – please point me to one movie star who works that way.”

Feig’s comments address a larger issue in Hollywood—the misconception that actors simply show up and recite lines, while the intricacies of film production and collaboration remain largely misunderstood by the public. He further dismissed the outrage that has followed Lively’s legal proceedings, calling it a trivial response to a complex situation. “Outrage is the most boring emotion humans have these days,” Feig said. “When it’s towards something meaningful, that’s great. But people get outraged at everything. It’s like, this is what you’re angry about? There’s other things to be outraged about—please, go and help make the world a better place.”

Lively, who has openly discussed the emotional rollercoaster of the past year, acknowledging “the highest of highs and the lowest of lows” in her personal and professional life, has not let the legal drama define her. In addition to her lawsuit against Baldoni, she continues to focus on her career and family, despite the public scrutiny surrounding the case.

The legal feud between Lively and Baldoni has become a focal point in the entertainment world, with many questioning the nature of the allegations and the subsequent countersuits. However, for Feig, Lively’s ability to remain composed and focused on her work amidst the chaos is a testament to her strength as both a person and a professional. “I love working with Blake – she’s just the best,” Feig concluded.

As the legal proceedings continue, Feig’s unwavering support for Lively stands as a stark reminder that Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes dynamics are often more nuanced than what is portrayed in the media. For Lively, the road to justice is still ahead, but with the backing of colleagues like Feig, she has the support of those who know her character and professionalism firsthand.