Newly unsealed court filings in the ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have revealed extensive private messages involving several major Hollywood figures, shedding light on the turmoil behind the scenes of the film It Ends with Us.
The legal conflict began in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation during production. Baldoni denied the claims and later filed a $400 million countersuit, which was subsequently dismissed. A trial in the case is scheduled for May 2026.
In recent months, filings submitted to the court have provided new details about the scope of the dispute. Among them are unsealed emails and text messages exchanged during post-production that reference dozens of well-known celebrities, some of whom were allegedly asked to review edits of the film or provide personal support to Lively.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
According to unsealed messages, Lively reached out to longtime friend Taylor Swift during post-production, seeking support for a revised version of the film’s script and later an edited cut. In one exchange cited by Baldoni’s legal team, Swift appeared willing to publicly support the revision. Lively’s attorneys argue the messages were presented without context and say Swift was asked to review the material voluntarily, without pressure.
Additional texts show Swift expressing negative opinions about Baldoni after the legal dispute became public. The filings also include a message in which Lively asked Swift to share an edit of the film with her partner at the time, professional football player Travis Kelce, and to let her know his thoughts.
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Luciana Damon
In May 2024, Ryan Reynolds and Lively allegedly contacted Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Damon, requesting feedback on Lively’s version of the film. In messages included in the court exhibits, Lively described the production experience as emotionally devastating and accused Baldoni of exhibiting cult-like behavior.
The filings indicate Damon responded supportively, offering help and suggesting Lively consider directing a future project with his and Ben Affleck’s production company, Artists Equity. The tone of the exchange became darkly humorous, with references to “cults” made in jest.
The same thread includes allegations by Reynolds that Baldoni contacted the couple’s personal trainer shortly after Lively gave birth, asking about her weight for a scene that required lifting her—claims that Baldoni disputes.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez
Lively also allegedly contacted Affleck separately, asking him to watch a restructured cut of the film and offer feedback, while emphasizing there was no obligation to do so. She characterized the production as the most distressing experience of her career and suggested the behind-the-scenes story would be more compelling than the finished movie itself.
She additionally expressed interest in hearing the opinion of Affleck’s then-wife, Jennifer Lopez. Court documents do not indicate whether either Affleck or Lopez responded or viewed the film.
Anna Wintour
An email included in the filings shows fashion executive Anna Wintour allegedly congratulating Lively on the film following its release, praising her bravery and acknowledging the difficulties surrounding its production.
Jenny Slate
Messages attributed to actress Jenny Slate, who appeared in the film, are among the most critical of Baldoni. In texts sent to her team, Slate described the production as disturbing and referred to Baldoni as a “false ally,” stating she did not want to participate in publicity involving him.
Slate claimed she and Lively raised concerns directly with the studio and described Baldoni as narcissistic and unprofessional, stating she had never encountered a figure like him in the industry before.
Brandon Sklenar
Actor Brandon Sklenar, who played a leading role in the film, exchanged messages with Lively during post-production in which both expressed frustration over Baldoni’s actions related to film edits. In the texts, Lively described Baldoni as erratic and unauthorized in accessing her cut of the movie, sentiments Sklenar appeared to support.
Jameela Jamil
Unsealed messages also reveal that actress Jameela Jamil, who was not involved in the film, privately criticized Lively in conversations with a shared publicist. In those texts, Jamil harshly criticized Lively’s public image during the film’s press tour and advised keeping Baldoni silent amid the controversy.
Johnny Depp Reference
In a separate exchange, Reynolds referenced actor Johnny Depp while discussing whether to respond publicly to negative media narratives surrounding Lively. The mention appeared to be a cautionary example of how prolonged public legal battles can damage reputations on all sides.
Bradley Cooper
Another unsealed message suggests actor Bradley Cooper attended a private screening of Lively’s cut of the film alongside author Colleen Hoover, whose novel inspired the adaptation. Lively wrote that Cooper viewed the film twice and strongly supported her version, calling him instrumental in boosting her confidence during the dispute.
The unsealed documents offer an unusually detailed look at how personal relationships, private communications, and industry influence intersected during the making and aftermath of It Ends with Us. While the filings include strong language and allegations, they represent claims and conversations presented as part of ongoing litigation and have not yet been adjudicated in court.