The ongoing legal dispute surrounding the film It Ends With Us has intensified with the release of Blake Lively‘s messages to Taylor Swift, emails to Ben Affleck, and depositions from co-stars Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer. The unsealed documents reveal serious allegations against director Justin Baldoni, who is accused of sexual harassment and orchestrating a campaign to tarnish Lively’s reputation.
Lively’s legal complaints, filed in December 2024, claim Baldoni and his team engaged in a “social manipulation” effort against her. In response, Baldoni’s legal team has labeled her accusations as “shameful” and categorically false. Baldoni has also filed a countersuit, which was dismissed earlier in June 2025. A trial is scheduled to commence on May 18, 2025.
Details from Depositions and Text Messages
The materials released include a transcript of Slate’s deposition from September 26, 2025, in which she described her experiences on set. As Lively’s co-star, she expressed serious concerns about Baldoni’s behavior, stating, “Justin is truly a false ally,” and referred to him as “the biggest clown and the most intense narcissist.” Slate characterized the filming as a “gross and disturbing shoot,” and noted that both she and Lively had raised their complaints directly with the studio.
In her communications, Slate described a tense atmosphere, revealing that Lively was subjected to intense pressure during production. She noted, “I know Blake is experiencing that on a much more serious level,” while expressing her own feelings of repulsion regarding Baldoni and Wayfarer producer Jamey Heath.
Lively’s messages to Swift also feature prominently in the release. She identified Swift as a key ally who could provide insight into the working conditions on set. The singer’s name has surfaced repeatedly in the legal proceedings, especially after Baldoni attempted to subpoena her.
In a candid message to Lively, Swift expressed her disdain for Baldoni, writing, “This inspiring event celebrates men who are using their platforms…but not him.” Lively replied, “Can you imagine feeling as confident as these predators that you’re going to always get away with it?” Their correspondence illustrates a deep concern about Baldoni’s public persona compared to his alleged private actions.
Allegations from Co-Stars
Ferrer, who portrayed a younger version of Lively’s character, testified to witnessing inappropriate behavior on set. She recalled three specific incidents involving unwelcome comments and actions from Baldoni. Ferrer described one moment where Baldoni referred to an intimate scene as “hot,” which she found inappropriate given the context of the film.
She also recounted an uncomfortable exchange where Baldoni suggested a change to a scene that she felt was not suitable for her character, who was meant to portray a young teenager. Ferrer remarked, “It felt out of place and strange to hear my director say that as a personal thing to me and my co-star.”
In a separate correspondence, Lively reached out to Affleck on May 17, 2024, seeking his feedback on her revisions to the film’s script. She described her experience on set as “the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie,” highlighting the challenges presented by Baldoni’s management style. Lively expressed a desire for Affleck’s input, stating, “This movie nearly killed me,” emphasizing the emotional toll the project had taken.
As the legal proceedings continue, the release of these communications adds a new dimension to the allegations against Baldoni, revealing a complex web of personal and professional relationships intertwined with the controversy. The upcoming trial is anticipated to shed further light on the allegations and the environment surrounding the production of It Ends With Us.
