At a Glance
- Sony executive Andrea Giannetti called Blake Lively a “f—ing terrorist” during a deposition.
- The comment came after Lively threatened to quit It Ends With Us over a 17-point list of changes.
- Sony had already invested $28 million and the film later earned $350 million worldwide.
- Key hearing scheduled for Jan 22; trial set for May 2026.
- Why it matters: The admission fuels Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios and highlights alleged workplace harassment.
Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios has taken a dramatic turn after a Sony Pictures executive admitted to calling her a “f—ing terrorist” in a deposition. The remark surfaced during a dispute over a 17-point list of requested changes that Lively said would force her to walk away from the film It Ends With Us.
The Deposition
On Jan 20, Giannetti’s testimony was unsealed before a summary judgment hearing set for Jan 22. She confirmed that she told producer Jamey Heath, “Yes,” that she considered Lively a “f—ing terrorist.” Giannetti said the comment followed Lively’s threat to quit the movie if her concerns were not addressed.
Giannetti explained that Sony had already invested roughly $28 million into the project and feared the film would become unreleasable if production halted. She added:
> “There was a tremendous amount of money that had been invested and spent, and we had to finish the movie or it was unreleasable.”
The deposition also revealed that Giannetti did not recall Lively accusing any crew member of misconduct in mid-May 2024, but she acknowledged that Lively had threatened to leave the project if her concerns were not resolved.
Financial Stakes
Despite the tension, Sony’s investment eventually paid off. An August 2024 text from Giannetti to Lively praised her contribution, writing:
> “Blake, $50 million!! Your blood, sweat, tears, brilliant smarts, heart and soul in every single frame.”
Giannetti noted the film’s box-office success as “gigantic” and historically strong for its genre and budget. She estimated It Ends With Us earned close to $350 million worldwide.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sony investment | $28 million |
| Box-office gross | $350 million |
| Giannetti’s praise | $50 million |
Additional Evidence
Other unsealed materials added depth to the case. Actress Jenny Slate described the shoot as “disturbing” and said she and Lively had both complained directly to Giannetti, noting Sony “agreed with us.” Slate also criticized Baldoni, calling him a “false ally” and refusing to promote his image as a “male feminist.”
Attorney Sigrid McCawley, part of Lively’s legal team, highlighted the newly released evidence: “The evidence includes Ms. Lively’s own testimony describing the harassment she faced, as well as new evidence from numerous women describing their own disturbing experiences.” McCawley said the evidence documents how Wayfarer refused to investigate and instead attempted to bury Lively and others through retaliation.
Legal Context
The case is heading toward a key hearing. A judge is expected to hear arguments on whether some or all of Lively’s claims will proceed to trial, scheduled for May 2026. The Court dismissed Wayfarer’s retaliatory countersuit in its entirety last June, leaving only Lively’s claims against the defendants.
Key Takeaways
- Giannetti’s admission of calling Lively a “f—ing terrorist” fuels the lawsuit.
- Sony’s financial risk and eventual success add weight to the dispute.
- Additional testimony from Jenny Slate and Sigrid McCawley reinforces allegations of harassment and retaliation.
- The trial is set for May 2026, making the case a long-term legal battle.
The unfolding drama underscores the high stakes involved when creative disputes collide with allegations of workplace misconduct. As the court prepares to decide which claims move forward, the industry watches closely to see how this case will shape future production practices.
