Blake Lively slams Justin Baldoni for releasing ‘It Ends With Us’ clip, says it ‘corroborates’ her claims

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A newly released video from the set of 'It Ends With Us' sheds light on the simmering tensions between stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who are embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute.

Obtained by TMZ, the footage shared by Baldoni's team showcases a seemingly uncomfortable interaction during the filming of a slow-dance scene, where the actors broke character for an exchange that has now taken on new significance, reported People.

After the footage was released, Lively in reply, referred to the raw footage Baldoni's team shared to the press as "damning". Her team stated, "Every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter, what Ms Lively described in Paragraph 48 of her Complaint."

Behind-the-scenes footage of 'It Ends With Us' released

The newly shared video from the 'It Ends With Us' set allegedly seems to provide evidence of Blake Lively commenting on Justin Baldoni’s nose, a point highlighted in the director-actor’s countersuit.

According to Baldoni’s legal filing, “Lively took them out of character again and began to joke about Baldoni’s nose, which he laughed off and joked in turn, even as Lively joked that he should get plastic surgery. Lively incorrectly alleges that this scene was filmed without sound. Baldoni was wearing a microphone, and the entire exchange is captured on camera.”

In the footage, Lively can be seen sharing her thoughts on the scene’s visuals while it’s being filmed. After one particular take, she laughs nervously about the close proximity to Baldoni, remarking, “It’s like, just noses.”

“I know, and my nose is so big,” Baldoni replies with a laugh, prompting Lively to joke, “Yes, I was hoping that we could address this. It’s not too late. Just gotta shut down. Gotta call an insurance month, and just deal with that. Just kidding.”

“No, it’s true,” Baldoni admits. Referring to the actress portraying Ryle Kincaid's sister Allysa, he adds with a grin, “That’s why we hired Jenny Slate, too. Our noses match.”

During another take, Lively jokes, “I’m probably getting spray tan on you.” He laughs and responds, “It actually smells nice.”

Blake Lively hits back at Justin Baldoni's team after they released raw footage

The released video by Justin Baldoni's team has only made Blake Lively and her lawyers double down on their claims. 

“Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest stunt will get ahead of the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning,” the actress' lawyers told Page Six in a statement on Tuesday, January 21. 

The attorneys argued that “the released footage corroborates” their client’s harassment allegations detailed in her December 31 lawsuit.

The statement further mentioned that “the video shows Mr Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character".

“Every moment of this was improvised by Mr Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present.  Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively’s co-star, but the director, the head of studio and Ms. Lively’s boss.”

Lively’s team claimed she was “leaning away and repeatedly asking” Baldoni for their characters to “just talk” rather than get intimate.

“Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms Lively’s discomfort. They will recognize her attempts at levity to try to deflect the unwanted touching,” they added.

Lively's lawyers also accused Baldoni of attempting to “manipulate the public” by releasing the video to the media rather than as evidence in court.

“It is also a continuation of their harassment and retaliatory campaign,” the legal team continued, describing the 'Jane the Virgin' star’s actions as “manufactured media stunts".

Legal feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively

Blake Lively filed a complaint on December 20, 2024 alleging harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign, citing Justin Baldoni’s “unprofessional” and “disturbing” behavior on set. One incident she described involved Baldoni allegedly making inappropriate remarks during a scene intended to have no sound.

On January 16, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against actress-producer Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging defamation, extortion, and other charges. Additionally, he also sued The New York Times on December 31, accusing the publication of libel, false light invasion of privacy, and other offenses over an article detailing her grievances against him.

In the article, Lively issued a statement, saying, "I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted."

As the legal battle continues, representatives for both stars have issued strongly worded statements.

Lively’s team condemned Baldoni’s lawsuit as a “desperate” move in what they described as “another chapter in the abuser playbook". Baldoni’s legal team, meanwhile, accused Lively of leveraging media manipulation for personal gain.