Justin Baldoni Discusses Anxiety Amid Legal Issues with Blake Lively

In a recently released podcast interview, Justin Baldoni opened up about experiencing an "intense year" and struggles with anxiety. This discussion comes during his ongoing legal battle with Blake Lively, his co-star in It Ends With Us.

Baldoni reflected on this challenging time on the Feb. 10 episode of the Gents Talk podcast, recorded in November 2024. This was shortly before Lively filed her lawsuit against him for alleged sexual harassment and defamation. "I had an intense year," Baldoni shared, adding, "I had anxiety."

In late December, Blake Lively initiated legal action against Baldoni. She accused the director and others associated with It Ends With Us of engaging in "invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior" on set. She claimed he later retaliated by involving a crisis PR team to damage her reputation.

In January, Baldoni countered with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. He accused them of various wrongdoing, including extortion and defamation. He also alleged that Lively and her team orchestrated a "vile smear campaign" against him.

Rumors of conflict between the two surfaced last summer. Fans noted Baldoni's absence from promotional events, including the film's New York premiere in August.

In his legal complaint, Baldoni stated that Lively allegedly used threats to isolate him. "On information and belief, Lively induced the other cast members to shun Baldoni," the complaint elaborated. It suggested this was part of an effort to create the perception that Baldoni had committed a serious wrongdoing.

In January, prior to filing his countersuit, an audio recording featured on The Megyn Kelly Show captured Baldoni discussing feeling sidelined during the It Ends With Us premiere. He claimed Lively "didn't want me anywhere near her or the rest of the cast." He noted he was directed away from the red carpet.

Lively’s representative had commented prior to this on the situation. They referred to a previous statement denouncing Baldoni's team's "more attacks" against Lively.

The statement highlighted tactics often used by offenders, stating, "A classic tactic to distract from allegations is to blame the victim." It accused Baldoni of attempting to reverse roles, suggesting he is the true victim in this scenario.