Justin Baldoni and Wife Emily Address Trauma Following Blake Lively Sett…

Justin Baldoni and his wife, Emily Baldoni, have broken a silence maintained for the better part of two years regarding their legal conflict with Blake Lively. Addressing the matter on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in a video posted to Instagram, the couple described the ordeal as a period of significant "trauma" and "injustice."

The legal dispute began in December 2024, when Lively filed a California Civil Rights Department complaint and a subsequent federal lawsuit against Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and several associates. Lively alleged sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of the 2024 film It Ends With Us, which starred Lively and was directed by Baldoni. Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging defamation and breach of contract. That countersuit was dismissed in June 2025 after a judge found Baldoni failed to prove his allegations.

The case reached a settlement, announced on May 4, 2026, just before a scheduled trial in New York. In a joint statement issued at the time, attorneys for both sides acknowledged that "the process presented challenges" and stated, "It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace." However, Bryan Freedman, an attorney representing Baldoni and Wayfarer, characterized the resolution as a "total victory" for his clients. According to a May 8 court filing, Lively agreed to dismiss her three remaining claims, with the Wayfarer defendants paying none of the $300 million in damages she had sought. Prior to the settlement, a judge had dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including all sexual harassment and defamation claims.

In their July 8 video, the Baldonis reflected on the toll of the litigation. "We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years, and it's not because we haven't had anything to say," Justin Baldoni stated. Emily Baldoni added that while they felt "immense gratitude" for their supporters, that feeling "doesn't negate the injustice and the pain that we have also felt in the last few years." She further stated, "We've had to wrestle with so many things and try to understand so many things, like how could something like this even happen? Let alone disguised as a fight for women."

The couple described the process as an attempt to "let the justice system run its course" despite the "noise" surrounding the case. Emily Baldoni remarked that "the truth and the facts have spoken for themselves." When discussing their recovery, Justin Baldoni noted that they are currently focusing on their children, their friends, and their Baha'i faith, adding that "healing isn't linear."

Certain legal matters have persisted post-settlement. On June 12, a federal judge ruled that Lively is entitled to attorneys' fees related to Baldoni’s counterclaim but denied her request for punitive and treble damages. Following this, Lively’s legal team filed a request seeking over $8 million in legal fees. Furthermore, as part of the settlement, Lively preserved a pending California motion that may allow her to seek additional damages and attorneys' fees tied to a previously dismissed defamation claim.

While both sides previously expressed a desire for peace in their May joint statement, the Baldonis indicated that their public comments may not be their final word on the matter. "There's so much to say," Emily Baldoni said. "The time will come. But for now, we are going to focus on continuing the healing and hanging out with our kiddos and enjoying life."