In a candid preview of an upcoming podcast appearance, actor-director Justin Baldoni opens up about what he describes as an “intense year.” The emotional moment comes amidst his ongoing legal feud with his “It Ends With Us” co-star, Blake Lively.
Justin Baldoni broke down over his “intense year” in a preview for his upcoming appearance on the “Gent’s Talk” podcast.Instagram/gentspost
Emotional Teaser for “Gent’s Talk” Podcast
Baldoni, 40, appeared visibly emotional in a newly released teaser for the “Gent’s Talk” podcast. In the clip, he reflects on the challenges he has faced over the past year, saying, “I had an intense year.” He shares a glimpse into his state of mind, revealing, “I had anxiety,” before the preview transitions to him telling host Samir Mourani, “I haven’t talked about this yet.” The teaser concludes with Baldoni putting his face in his hands, encapsulating the weight of his emotions.The full episode is set to premiere on February 10, 2025.
The actor’s comments come amid his ongoing legal battle with his former “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively.AP
Background of the Legal Dispute
Baldoni’s interview was filmed in November 2024, shortly before Lively, 37, filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. In her complaint, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he orchestrated a smear campaign against her. The allegations, which were covered by the New York Times, escalated into a formal lawsuit.In response to Lively’s accusations, Baldoni has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has even filed a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times for their reporting.
Baldoni’s Response to the Allegations
Further complicating the situation, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist on January 16, 2025. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, has provided insight into Baldoni’s emotional and financial state, revealing that the ongoing legal proceedings have left him “devastated financially and emotionally.”Freedman is also representing Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, as well as producers Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz, and publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel.
The Impact of Legal Proceedings
During a pre-trial conference, Baldoni’s attorney commented on the implications of Lively’s initial complaint, stating, “Not to sound like a 4-year-old fighting a 4-year-old with ‘they started it,’ but in these kinds of cases, once someone says something, it becomes fact.” Freedman emphasized the challenges faced in fighting against such allegations in the public eye, highlighting the difficulty of disproving claims once they are made.Baldoni has attempted to counter Lively’s claims by releasing raw footage from the set of “It Ends With Us” and launching a website featuring alleged text messages between the former co-stars.
Upcoming Trial and Future Implications
As the legal battle continues, a judge has scheduled the trial for May 2026. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both actors, their careers, and the production of “It Ends With Us.”As Baldoni prepares to share more of his personal journey in the upcoming podcast episode, fans and followers await further developments in this high-profile legal dispute, which has already garnered widespread media attention.
Conclusion
Justin Baldoni’s emotional reflection on his “intense year” serves as a reminder of the personal toll that legal battles can take on individuals. As he navigates the complexities of his situation with Blake Lively, the public will continue to watch closely, eager to see how this unfolding drama impacts both their careers and personal lives. With the trial scheduled for May 2026, the stakes have never been higher for both actors involved.
