Justin Baldoni Admits He’s ‘Exhausted’ From a Year of ‘Emotional Stress’ Amid Legal Battle With Blake Lively
Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni opened up about his emotional struggles and burnout during a turbulent year filled with legal battles and public scrutiny. Speaking on the “Gent’s Talk” podcast, Baldoni, 41, described 2024 as a year of “emotional stress” that deeply affected both his personal and professional life. Much of this stems from his ongoing legal battle with his “It Ends With Us” co-star, Blake Lively, which escalated after Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024.
Burnout and Emotional Strain
In the newly released podcast episode, recorded in November 2024, Baldoni spoke candidly about how the challenges of the year took a toll on his mental health. He revealed that he had reached out to his best friend and the president of his production company, Wayfarer Studios, to share his feelings of anxiety and burnout.
“I told them that I wasn’t in the best place. I told them that I was exhausted, that I haven’t given myself time to recover or time to heal,” Baldoni shared.
The “Jane the Virgin” star explained that while the year had brought him material success, it also came with immense emotional challenges. He admitted to struggling with anxiety, sleep issues, and a sense of not being his “full self.”
“I had an intense year — a lot of material success and a lot of emotional stress. It was very hard on me and my family,” he said.
Despite enjoying his work and the impact of his production company, Baldoni acknowledged how easy it is to become overwhelmed by the pressures of success and opportunity.
A Year of Public and Legal Battles
Baldoni’s emotional struggles coincide with a high-profile legal dispute involving Blake Lively, his co-star on the film adaptation of “It Ends With Us.” The movie, which wrapped filming in early 2024, was initially poised to be a career milestone for both stars. However, by the time the press tour began in August 2024, fans noticed something was amiss. Lively, 37, did not appear in interviews with Baldoni or attend the premiere alongside him.In December 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, which included allegations of inappropriate behavior on set. According to the complaint, higher-ups working on the movie had to hold an “all-hands” meeting to warn Baldoni against showing Lively “nude videos or images of women” and making comments about her weight.Later that month, Lively filed a formal lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy, among other claims. The lawsuit also alleged that Baldoni and his agents orchestrated a smear campaign to tarnish Lively’s reputation.
Baldoni Denies Allegations and Fights Back
Baldoni has strongly denied all allegations against him and has actively worked to defend his reputation. In January 2025, he filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who was reportedly present during a pivotal meeting about the film’s script. Baldoni also sued The New York Times for libel after the newspaper published an article that he claimed relied on “Lively’s unverified and self-serving narrative.” The Times defended its reporting, stating that its article was based on “thousands of pages of original documents, including text messages and emails.” To bolster his defense, Baldoni launched a website sharing alleged text messages between himself and Lively, along with behind-the-scenes footage of them dancing on set. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, described the impact of the lawsuits on Baldoni as both financially and emotionally devastating.
“My client has been devastated financially and emotionally by these allegations,” Freedman said.
Baldoni Reflects on His Personal Growth
During the podcast, Baldoni also reflected on his personal journey and efforts to remain authentic amid the turmoil. He acknowledged that he is a “work in progress” and admitted to falling short at times.
“I can get lost in the same way that everybody gets lost, but healing isn’t linear,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to being “radically sincere and authentic.”
Baldoni also discussed the challenges of balancing his many roles, from filmmaker and actor to leader of his production company. While he expressed love for his work and the people he collaborates with, he admitted that the demands of his career often leave him vulnerable to stress and exhaustion.
“I love the people who work for us. I love the movies we make. I love the impact we have, and yet, sometimes it’s easy to fall back into our programming and be swept away by the current of self,” Baldoni explained.
What’s Next in the Legal Battle?
The legal dispute between Baldoni and Lively is far from over. Both lawsuits are set to go to trial in March 2026, promising a lengthy and contentious legal process ahead. In the meantime, Baldoni continues to defend his character and reputation.His decision to publicly share texts and other evidence has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his transparency and others questioning his motives. Similarly, Lively’s allegations have divided fans, with many awaiting the trial to uncover the full story.
Impact on Baldoni’s Career and Family
The ongoing legal battle has undoubtedly affected Baldoni’s career and personal life. While he remains committed to his work at Wayfarer Studios, the stress of the accusations and the financial burden of defending himself have taken a toll. Baldoni’s podcast appearance revealed just how deeply the situation has impacted him and his family.As he continues to navigate this challenging period, Baldoni is striving to focus on what matters most: his growth, his family, and his mission to create meaningful work through his production company.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
Justin Baldoni’s candid admission of exhaustion and emotional stress paints a vivid picture of the toll that public and legal battles can take on an individual. As he prepares to face trial in 2026, the actor-director is juggling the demands of his career, his family, and his mental health.While the outcome of the legal dispute with Blake Lively remains uncertain, Baldoni’s openness about his struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing self-care and authenticity, even in the face of adversity. Fans and critics alike will be closely watching as the story continues to unfold, with both parties set to present their cases in court.
