Blake Lively Breaks Silence on Justin Baldoni Lawsuit in Late Night Interview

Blake Lively, in her first television appearance since the eruption of legal battles with former co-star Justin Baldoni, addressed the situation with careful consideration on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Thursday. The interview, primarily intended to promote her upcoming film, Another Simple Favor, offered a glimpse into Lively’s mindset amidst the ongoing turmoil.

Lively and Baldoni, who co-starred in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel It Ends with Us, which premiered in August 2024, have been embroiled in a complicated legal saga since then. Following a press tour plagued by rumors of conflict between the two, Lively initiated legal action, filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department detailing allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath. Subsequently, she escalated the matter by filing a lawsuit in federal court against Baldoni on December 31, 2024.

The same day Lively filed her federal lawsuit, Baldoni counter-attacked with a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times over a December article detailing an alleged smear campaign he purportedly attempted to orchestrate against Lively. Not stopping there, weeks later, Baldoni expanded his legal assault by filing a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing the power couple of attempting to seize control of It Ends With Us and construct their own narrative surrounding the project.

The high-stakes legal battle is slated to proceed to trial in March 2026, promising a lengthy and potentially explosive courtroom confrontation.

During her Late Night appearance, Lively engaged in lighthearted banter with Meyers before addressing the elephant in the room: the Baldoni lawsuit. After sharing anecdotes about her children, she subtly alluded to the difficult year she has endured, stating, "It’s no surprise I’ve had a pretty intense year, and they’re just my lifeline. No matter what day I’m having, I have to be Disneyland every day for them, and so it’s the best."

Meyers, recognizing the gravity of the situation, delicately broached the subject of her "intense year." Acknowledging his limited understanding of the intricacies of the situation, Meyers joked, "I’m thrilled you’re not doing Weekend Update right now, because you would be quite informed, so it’s good. Were I to ask you about it, I imagine you’re in a situation where you can’t say much."

Lively confirmed Meyers’s assumption, responding, "What I can say without going too into it is that this year has been full of the highest highs and the lowest lows of my life, and I see so many women around afraid to speak, especially right now, afraid to share their experiences. And fear is by design, it’s what keeps us silent, but I also acknowledge that many people don’t have the opportunity to speak, so I do feel fortunate that I’ve been able to. And it’s the women who have had the ability to use their voice that’s kept me strong, and helped me in my belief in my fight for the world to be safe for women and girls. It’s a pretty simple thing, but, you know, nothing…" Her statement trailed off as the audience erupted in applause, signaling their support and understanding of her position.

Lively’s comments, while carefully worded, hint at the emotional toll the lawsuit has taken on her. Her emphasis on the importance of women speaking out and sharing their experiences, even in the face of fear, suggests that the allegations against Baldoni are related to issues of gender inequality and workplace harassment. By framing the issue as a fight for a safer world for women and girls, Lively elevates the conversation beyond a personal dispute and positions herself as an advocate for broader social change.

Meyers, demonstrating respect for Lively’s delicate situation, concluded the conversation by stating, "I’m going to respect that you’re in a position where you can’t talk about it more," and transitioned the interview to lighter topics, such as Another Simple Favor.

The Late Night interview provides a rare glimpse into Blake Lively’s perspective amidst the complex legal battle with Justin Baldoni. While she refrained from divulging specific details about the allegations, she emphasized the importance of using one’s voice to advocate for gender equality and safety for women, suggesting that the lawsuit is rooted in issues of power dynamics and workplace harassment. The ongoing legal proceedings promise a potentially revealing trial in March 2026, which could shed further light on the events surrounding the It Ends With Us production and the allegations made by Lively against Baldoni.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the high profiles of the individuals involved and the sensitive nature of the allegations. As the trial date approaches, the public will be watching closely to see how the legal battle unfolds and what impact it will have on the careers and reputations of both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

It remains to be seen whether the trial will ultimately provide closure for all parties involved and contribute to a greater understanding of the issues surrounding workplace harassment and power dynamics in the entertainment industry.