At a Glance
- Ryan Reynolds‘ private texts defending Blake Lively have been released.
- Lively sued Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment, seeking $160 million; trial set for May 2026.
- Reynolds’ rep says he believes in a safe workplace and stands with Lively.
**Why it matters: The texts add new evidence to a high-profile legal battle that could influence how Hollywood handles harassment claims.
Introduction
Ryan Reynolds‘ private texts, released as part of Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, show the actor defending Lively amid accusations of sexual harassment. A Reynolds representative has issued a statement in support of his wife, while Baldoni’s legal team denies the claims and countersued, though that action was dismissed. The lawsuit seeks more than $160 million and is set for a May 2026 trial in New York.
Reynolds’ Texts Revealed
In a series of unsealed messages, Reynolds allegedly referred to Baldoni as a “thoroughbred, predatory fraudster” and an “inexplicably toxic mess.” The texts were sent to his WME agent Warren Zavala in August 2024, a time when It Ends With Us was enjoying a strong opening weekend. One message, written on August 6 2024, read: “I’m super frustrated because this is a moment in which Blake should be celebrating. She made this unbelievable win happen.”
Another exchange, from July 2024, included a statement that Lively “should not be subjected to some eye-roll-y narrative of the ‘controlling bitch.'” In the same July text, Reynolds called Baldoni a “predatory fraudster” and a “toxic mess.” The messages also included a comment that Lively’s reputation could be put on trial any day.
Legal Battle Overview
Lively, 38, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, 42, in December 2024. She alleges sexual harassment and retaliation and is seeking $160 million in damages. The trial is scheduled for May 2026 in New York.
Baldoni’s countersuit, accusing Lively and Reynolds of defamation and extortion, was dismissed by the judge. Baldoni’s lawyers claim that the two stars used their Hollywood power to “steal an entire film out of the hands of its director and production studio.”
Sigrid McCawley, Lively’s attorney, said in a statement on January 22 that “the overwhelming evidence revealed by the unsealed materials shows that women in every role on set…experienced what they believed was inappropriate conduct.”
Reynolds’ Representative Responds
A spokesperson for Reynolds told Puck News: “Yes, Ryan got involved – what husband wouldn’t support his wife and the mother of his children?” The rep added that Reynolds “saw his wife fighting daily to stand up against sexual harassment in a private and respectful way, only to face retaliation for doing so.”
The representative continued: “If anything, Ryan feels like he wasn’t angry enough. He passionately believes in and will stand up for the basic right to a safe workplace free of harassment and retaliation for his wife and others. Then, now and always.”
Baldoni’s Legal Position
On Jan. 21 2025, Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman released a statement: “As stated all along, and reflected in our clients’ motions, as well as in messages from Sony discussing Ms. Lively’s behaviors, the evidence does not support [Lively’s] claims as a matter of law. A simple read of the newly released message exchanges make the truth abundantly clear. We remain confident in the legal process and clearing the names of all the Justin Baldoni parties.”
Freedman’s comments echoed earlier statements that Baldoni’s team believes Lively and Reynolds used their status to smear him.
Agency and Industry Reactions
After Lively’s lawsuit, Baldoni was dropped by his agency, WME, in December 2024. In January 2025, WME responded to allegations that Reynolds had “pressed” Baldoni’s agent at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere. WME said, “This is not true,” and added that “Baldoni’s former representative was not at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client.”
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2024 | Lively files lawsuit against Baldoni |
| December 2024 | Baldoni dropped by WME |
| January 22 2025 | McCawley releases statement on unsealed materials |
| Jan. 21 2025 | Freedman releases statement defending Baldoni |
| January 2025 | WME denies pressure allegations |
| August 6 2024 | Reynolds sends text praising Lively’s win |
| August 2024 | Reynolds sends text to WME agent about Baldoni |
| July 2024 | Reynolds refers to Baldoni as “predatory fraudster” |
| May 2026 | Trial scheduled |
Key Takeaways
- Reynolds’ texts provide new evidence in Lively’s lawsuit, depicting him as a vocal defender of her.
- The lawsuit seeks $160 million and will be heard in May 2026.
- Baldoni’s countersuit was dismissed, and his legal team maintains that the claims are unfounded.
- WME has denied any pressure or involvement in the removal of Baldoni as a client.
- The case highlights ongoing tensions over harassment allegations in Hollywood.
