“She’s Just the Best!” — Paul Feig Shuts Down Haters, Calls Out ‘Stupid’ Backlash at Blake Lively

Director Paul Feig is stepping up in defense of actress Blake Lively, slamming the “boring” outrage surrounding her ongoing legal battle with It Ends with Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Feig, who worked with Lively on A Simple Favor, expressed his frustration over the public’s misconceptions about how movies are made, as well as the widespread outrage that has surrounded Lively’s recent legal issues.

Lively, who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over a decade, recently opened up about facing both personal and professional challenges, describing the past year as a period filled with “the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.” Amid these struggles, the actress filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, alleging that he launched a retaliatory smear campaign after she reported sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns on the set of It Ends with Us. Baldoni, in turn, countersued, claiming defamation and other contractual violations, seeking $400 million in damages from Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, among other defendants. The legal battle has since escalated, with a trial date set for March 9, 2026.

Feig, in an interview with Esquire, voiced his frustration at the public’s reaction to the situation, particularly the widespread outrage. “Outrage is the most boring emotion humans have these days,” he 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.”

The director, who has worked with a number of high-profile actors, expressed his admiration for Lively, calling her “an amazing collaborator.” He was quick to defend her work ethic, emphasizing that the notion that movie stars simply show up and read a script is far from the reality of filmmaking. “When I read people’s misconceptions about how movies are made, it’s just frustrating for me,” Feig continued. “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 come at a time when Lively’s legal feud with Baldoni has been making headlines. The actress’s decision to take legal action has sparked a heated debate, with some questioning her motives and others rallying behind her. Lively has remained relatively quiet about the specifics of the case, but Feig’s support highlights the close bond between the actress and her collaborators, many of whom have publicly praised her professionalism and dedication to her craft.

As the legal battle continues to unfold, Feig’s words offer a glimpse into the challenges that many stars face behind the scenes, particularly when it comes to the complexities of filmmaking and the pressures of public scrutiny. While the public remains divided over the controversy, it’s clear that Lively’s supporters are standing by her, underscoring her reputation as a talented and hardworking actress who has earned the respect of those who have worked with her.

The ongoing saga between Lively and Baldoni serves as a reminder of the often unseen struggles that take place behind the camera, as well as the toll that fame and public opinion can take on an individual’s career and personal life. As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom, but for now, Lively has the unwavering support of those who know her best.