A newly released audio recording has introduced a significant shift in the ongoing legal dispute between actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni. The recording, which captures a candid conversation from February 2023, is being used by Baldoni’s legal team to challenge Lively’s allegations regarding a hostile work environment and personal disparagement during the production of It Ends with Us.
Audio Challenges Allegations of Weight-Related Comments
Central to Lively’s $160 million lawsuit is the claim that Baldoni “fat-shamed” her shortly after she gave birth to her fourth child. Lively alleged that Baldoni made insensitive inquiries about her weight to her personal trainer, which she found humiliating. However, the four-minute audio message reveals Lively expressing her own anxieties about her physical readiness for the film.
In the recording, Lively discusses the pressure of returning to work while wanting to be in her “best shape.” She mentions feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of daily workouts while managing a demanding filming schedule and caring for a newborn without a baby nurse. Legal experts suggest these self-expressed concerns may complicate her claims that Baldoni was the primary source of her distress regarding her body image.
The Role of Personal Trainer Testimony
The dispute is further complicated by depositions from Lively’s longtime trainer, Dan Saladino. Saladino testified that Baldoni approached him to ask about Lively’s weight, citing concerns about a scene that required him to lift her. While Saladino reported feeling uncomfortable and relayed the interaction to Lively, Baldoni maintains the inquiry was strictly related to a recurring back injury and his physical ability to perform the stunt safely.
Tensions Between Ryan Reynolds and Justin Baldoni
The legal filings also shed light on a heated confrontation involving Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds. According to court documents, an “all-hands” meeting in early 2024 turned into a “traumatic encounter” when Reynolds allegedly confronted Baldoni regarding the weight-related comments. Baldoni’s representatives claim Reynolds was “enraged” and demanded an apology for an incident Baldoni insists was a misunderstanding regarding set safety.
Leaked Texts and Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Beyond the audio, the case has brought a wealth of private communications into the public eye. Text messages show Baldoni offering words of encouragement to Lively, telling her not to stress about her body and assuring her she would look “amazing” on screen. Other messages reveal Baldoni’s growing frustration with the production process, including his belief that the studio was prioritizing Reynolds’ influence over his own as the film’s director.
Additionally, raw footage from the set has been submitted as evidence. In one specific instance, Lively claimed Baldoni made a suggestive comment about her neck smelling “good” during a dance scene. However, the footage reportedly shows a lighthearted exchange where Baldoni jokes about his beard rubbing against her, to which Lively laughs and mentions her body makeup. Baldoni’s defense argues this footage refutes the claim of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.
Upcoming Trial Dates
As the legal battle intensifies, both parties are preparing for a potential trial scheduled for May 2026. While Baldoni’s own $400 million defamation countersuit was previously dismissed, he continues to fight Lively’s claims, seeking to have her lawsuit thrown out based on the newly surfaced audio and text evidence. The case continues to highlight the complex power dynamics and personal frictions that can occur behind the scenes of a major Hollywood production.
