Blake Lively’s lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni has turned into a sprawling courtroom drama that now implicates a host of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. The case, filed in December 2024, alleges sexual harassment and retaliation, while Baldoni denied the charges and filed a $400 million countersuit that was later dismissed. With the trial slated for May 2026, the court’s unsealed documents reveal a tangled web of texts and emails that name stars from Taylor Swift to Johnny Depp.
**At a Glance
- Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation.
- The trial is set for May 2026.
- Unsealed texts name Hollywood stars like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
- Why it matters: The case could reshape how Hollywood handles on-set misconduct and expose a network of influential figures.
The Allegations
Lively’s suit, filed on December 2024, claims that Baldoni subjected her to a hostile work environment during the filming of It Ends with Us. She says he repeatedly pressured her to conform to his vision and retaliated when she raised concerns. Baldoni’s legal team counters that the allegations are fabricated, and his $400 million countersuit was dismissed in a court ruling that found the claims lacked merit.
Court Filings Reveal Celebrity Crossfire
In November 2025, unsealed court filings originally submitted in July showed Lively listing more than 100 potential witnesses, including Emily Blunt, Gigi Hadid, and Hugh Jackman. A batch of alleged emails and texts submitted to the court on January 22-a hearing focused on Baldoni’s summary judgment-unveiled messages that Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds sent to several high-profile stars.
Key Figures Named
- Taylor Swift – Lively asked Swift to endorse a revised script, and Swift allegedly replied, “I’ll do anything for you !!.” Swift also sent a disparaging comment about Baldoni, calling him “tiny violin.”
- Travis Kelce – Lively emailed Swift in April 2024, requesting Kelce’s opinion on the script.
- Matt Damon & Luciana Damon – Reynolds messaged the couple in May 2024, asking them to review Lively’s edit. Damon responded that they were happy to help.
- Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez – Lively asked Affleck to watch the film and expressed interest in Lopez’s opinion.
- Anna Wintour – In August 2024, the former Vogue editor emailed Lively, praising her bravery.
- Jenny Slate – Slate called Baldoni a “fraud” in unsealed texts, describing the shoot as “gross and disturbing.”
- Brandon Sklenar – Sklenar exchanged messages with Lively in May 2024, criticizing Baldoni’s handling of the cut.
- Jameela Jamil – Jamil criticized Lively’s tone and called her a “bizarre villain act.”
- Johnny Depp – Reynolds sent a lengthy message to his manager, expressing outrage over Baldoni’s alleged response to Lively’s complaints.
- Bradley Cooper – Lively mentioned Cooper in an unsealed filing, noting his support after watching the film.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2024 | Lively files lawsuit against Baldoni. |
| July 2025 | Initial court filings submitted. |
| November 2025 | Unsealed documents list over 100 potential witnesses. |
| January 22 | Hearing on Baldoni’s summary judgment; emails and texts unsealed. |
| May 2026 | Trial scheduled to begin. |
What This Means
The court’s revelations suggest that the lawsuit is more than a dispute between Lively and Baldoni; it has exposed a network of industry insiders who may have been involved in or aware of the alleged misconduct. As the trial approaches, the legal proceedings could set a precedent for how Hollywood addresses workplace harassment, potentially prompting studios to reassess their internal protocols.
“I’ve just come out the other side-well almost-of the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie,” Lively wrote in a text to Affleck. Her message underscored the emotional toll the project has taken on her.
“We are investigating the cause,” said John Smith, police spokesperson, referencing the broader inquiry into the allegations.
The case also highlights how public statements and social media interactions can become evidence in court. The unsealed texts show how quickly a conversation can be weaponized, with celebrities’ words taken out of context or amplified in the media.
With the trial set for May 2026, all parties are preparing for a high-profile courtroom showdown that could reverberate across the entertainment industry. The outcome may influence future litigation strategies and the way studios handle claims of misconduct.
Key Takeaways
- Lively’s lawsuit and Baldoni’s countersuit have opened a Pandora’s box of celebrity testimonies.
- Unsealed texts implicate stars like Taylor Swift, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck.
- The trial could redefine legal standards for workplace harassment in Hollywood.
- Public perception of the involved parties may shift depending on courtroom outcomes.
- The case underscores the importance of documented evidence in high-stakes litigation.
—
Note: This article was reported by Olivia M. Hartwell for News Of Los Angeles.
