Blake Lively Brings Two Other Actresses to Her Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively has filed an amended complaint in her ongoing lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director of the 2024 film It Ends With Us. The updated lawsuit alleges that two other actresses on set were made uncomfortable by Baldoni’s behavior and are willing to testify about their experiences. The complaint also includes the ongoing defamation claim against Baldoni and his associates, accusing them of orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively. But who are these other actresses? And what does this mean for the lawsuit? Please continue reading to find out!

Blake Lively Expands Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni

The two unnamed actresses reportedly raised concerns about Baldoni’s conduct during filming, with one actress expressing her discomfort to a Sony Pictures Entertainment representative and a producer. According to the complaint, Baldoni acknowledged the concerns in writing and promised adjustments, but the issues persisted. Another actress allegedly confided in Lively about her discomfort, with these claims documented nearly a year before the film’s editing began.

Lively’s legal team, led by attorneys Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, stated that the amended complaint “includes significant contemporaneous evidence” supporting her claims and emphasizes that she “was not alone” in raising concerns about Baldoni’s behavior.

Baldoni Denies Allegations, Countersues Lively and Reynolds

Justin Baldoni, who co-founded the production company Wayfarer Studios, has vehemently denied the allegations. In a countersuit filed in January, Baldoni accused Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of using their fame and influence to damage his reputation and wrest creative control of the film. He claims the allegations are part of a broader effort to harm his career.

Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, dismissed Lively’s amended complaint as “filled with unsubstantial hearsay” and lacking concrete evidence. “Since documents do not lie and people do, the upcoming depositions of those who initially supported Ms. Lively’s false claims and those who are witnesses to her own behavior will be enlightening,” Freedman said in a statement.

New Defamation Claims and Emotional Toll

The amended complaint also introduces a defamation claim against Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, and their associates, alleging they used media platforms to “overwhelm and confuse the public’s understanding of Ms. Lively’s allegations” and to drive negative sentiment against her.

Lively’s legal team further highlighted the emotional toll the lawsuit has taken on the actress and her family. The complaint states that Lively has experienced “extreme anxiety,” while her children have been “traumatized” by the public fallout. Ryan Reynolds has also reportedly been affected mentally, physically, and professionally by the ongoing legal drama.

Public Appearances and Legal Strategy

The timing of Lively’s amended complaint has drawn scrutiny, coming just days after she and Reynolds attended the star-studded 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live. During the event, Reynolds made a lighthearted joke about their legal situation, prompting mixed reactions from legal experts.

Some analysts suggest that Lively’s decision to highlight the emotional impact of the case could bolster public sympathy, while others argue that her public appearances may undermine her claims of severe emotional distress.

Allegations of Threats and Intimidation

In a striking addition to the complaint, Lively alleges that Steve Sarowitz, an executive producer on It Ends With Us and co-founder of Wayfarer Studios made threatening remarks comparing his battle against Lively and Reynolds to the Israel-Hamas conflict. According to the complaint, Sarowitz told a witness that he would “go after” Lively and Reynolds if they “ever cross the line,” vowing to spend $100 million to “ruin their lives.”

Sarowitz has not publicly commented on the allegations.

What’s Next?

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni is set to go to trial in March 2026, with both sides opting out of mediation. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman has warned both parties to refrain from litigating the case in the media, emphasizing that the court documents provide “the public plenty to feast upon.”

As the case unfolds, the allegations and counterclaims continue to captivate public attention.

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