Actor and director Justin Baldoni sent Blake Lively a nearly seven-minute voice memo early on January 27, 2025, following a disagreement over the script for their movie It Ends With Us.
In the heartfelt message, Baldoni expressed regret for his actions, saying, “I’m really sorry. I for sure fell short and you worked really hard on that.”
He acknowledged that he had mishandled the situation and vowed to do better, emphasizing his commitment to always apologize when he makes mistakes.
Tensions Over Script Revisions
The apology came after Lively, with the help of her husband Ryan Reynolds and friend Taylor Swift, rewrote a pivotal rooftop scene in the film. Baldoni revealed feeling pressured to approve the changes, especially after meeting with Reynolds and Swift.
He praised the creative contributions of Lively’s team, acknowledging their influence, but clarified that he believed Lively’s draft was already strong.
Legal Conflict and Tension on Set
Baldoni’s apology follows ongoing legal battles. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, allegations which Baldoni denies.
He filed his own lawsuit, accusing Lively, Reynolds, and her publicist of civil extortion and defamation. The situation escalated further with both parties preparing for a trial set for March 2025.