Texts Ignite Hollywood Feud

A representative for Ryan Reynolds has spoken out after private messages linked to the actor were unsealed in court filings tied to Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni.

The communications—texts and emails involving Lively, Reynolds and pop star Taylor Swift—were released as part of Lively’s 2024 lawsuit, in which she accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and of attempting to undermine her reputation. Baldoni has denied all allegations.

Among the unsealed material are multiple messages Reynolds sent during the escalation of Lively’s dispute with Baldoni, which followed their collaboration on the film adaptation of It Ends With Us by author Colleen Hoover, a project Baldoni also directed.

Addressing questions about Reynolds’ role in the dispute, his representative said the actor stepped in out of support for his wife and their family, stressing that he witnessed her repeatedly standing up against alleged workplace misconduct only to face backlash. The spokesperson added that Reynolds strongly believes in the right to a safe, harassment-free work environment and remains committed to defending that principle for Lively and others in the industry.

Speculation around tension between Lively and Baldoni intensified during the film’s summer 2024 press tour, with Baldoni notably absent from several group red-carpet appearances. Although he did attend the New York premiere, subsequent messages attributed to Reynolds show continued frustration over Baldoni’s public presence and the impact of online gossip during what should have been a celebratory moment for Lively.

Reynolds also privately expressed frustration to industry contacts at WME, arguing that controversy was overshadowing Lively’s role in the film’s box office success.

A New York judge is weighing whether the case will proceed, with a trial currently set for 18 May. Potential witnesses named by Lively’s team include Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid and Emily Blunt.

Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman dismissed the claims as an attempt to repair Lively’s image. Baldoni’s countersuit against Lively and Reynolds was later dismissed.