The It Ends With Us actor-director faces mounting personal and financial strain as a high-stakes legal dispute with Blake Lively intensifies ahead of a 2026 trial.
Los Angeles, May 21, 2025 – Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni is reportedly under intense legal and emotional pressure as he faces an ongoing lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively. The high-profile dispute, which began in December 2024, has not only drawn media scrutiny but also taken a significant toll on Baldoni’s well-being and finances, according to close sources.
A friend of Baldoni told People magazine that the 41-year-old actor is leaning on “faith, family, and a close-knit circle of friends” during this trying period. “The drama is causing stress for both Justin and his wife Emily, but their marriage remains strong—they’re closer than ever,” the source added.
The controversy began when Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint, alleging misconduct by Baldoni during the production of It Ends With Us. Lively also accused Baldoni and his team of launching a reputational attack in retaliation. Baldoni has vehemently denied all allegations.
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In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025, seeking $400 million in damages from Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their longtime publicist Leslie Sloane, alleging defamation, extortion, and reputational harm.
“March still feels very far away. He’s certainly feeling the financial and emotional weight of his legal fight,” said a family friend, referring to the trial scheduled for March 2026.
Despite the challenges, Baldoni remains publicly optimistic. On Mother’s Day, he took to Instagram to honor the two most important women in his life—his wife Emily and his mother—writing:
“My mom gave us faith. My wife is the definition of it.”
Baldoni shares two children—daughter Maiya and son Maxwell—with Emily, his wife of over a decade.
Meanwhile, Blake Lively, who has four children with Reynolds, has continued to make public appearances since filing the complaint. According to reports, both parties have refused mediation, signaling that the case is headed for a prolonged and high-stakes courtroom showdown.
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Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, Legal Battle, It Ends With Us, Hollywood Lawsuits, Ryan Reynolds, Sexual Harassment Allegations, Celebrity Trial 2026, Blake Lively Lawsuit, Justin Baldoni Countersuit