Baldoni Couple Breaks Silence on Legal Battle with Blake Lively
Justin Baldoni says we are healing – After nearly two years of maintaining public silence, Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily have finally addressed the ongoing legal controversy involving their former “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively. The couple released a joint video message on Wednesday through their Instagram account, explaining their decision to remain quiet while proceedings unfolded in the courtroom.
Earlier this spring, a federal judge ruled on significant portions of Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni. The court dismissed several of her allegations, including claims of sexual harassment, yet permitted her to continue pursuing a retaliation claim directed at Baldoni’s public relations representatives. Following this ruling, both parties reached an agreement to settle their differences, though they continue to navigate disagreements regarding legal expenses.
So 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 because lord knows we have. But it just felt like every time we went to make a video like this, we wanted to speak, something was telling us not to — it just didn’t feel like the right time.
Justin Baldoni, who operates through his Wayfarer Studios production company, appeared outside a New York courthouse on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The same day, Lively was also photographed leaving the courthouse, where she had hoped to potentially resolve her lawsuit before a scheduled May trial date.
Gratitude and Healing
Emily Baldoni emphasized that while there remains much to discuss, the timing felt appropriate for their initial public statement. She expressed deep appreciation for the support they have received during this challenging period.
What does feel important is that we can genuinely say that we are sitting here today feeling immense gratitude for so many things and so many people and so many things that have happened to us.
Gratitude has saved us,
Justin Baldoni added, noting that this feeling of thankfulness does not erase the difficulties they have encountered. Emily explained that they have struggled to comprehend how such events could occur, particularly when they were framed as advocacy for women’s rights.
We’ve had to wrestle with so many things and try to understand so many thing, like how could something like this even happen? Let alone disguise[d] as a fight for women,
The couple stated they deliberately avoided adding to the public discourse surrounding the case, preferring to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference. Justin remarked that the facts have essentially communicated their own message, and they now find themselves in a position of recovery.
We are healing. And if you’ve ever been through something traumatic, you know that healing isn’t linear. It looks different every day.
Legal Developments Continue
Recent court filings reveal that Lively’s legal team has requested substantial compensation from Wayfarer Studios. According to documents submitted to the court, the production company owes Lively $7,495,526.87 in attorney fees related to a defamation lawsuit the studio filed against her. That defamation case was ultimately dismissed in June 2025. Additionally, Lively is pursuing $539,514.01 in associated costs and expenses.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman recently denied Lively’s petition for punitive damages while permitting her to seek attorney fees under California Civil Code Section 47.1. This particular statute provides protection for individuals who report sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination from retaliatory defamation actions.
The controversy between the former co-stars originated in December 2024. The couple also reflected on how the experience has strengthened their focus on family, friends, community, and faith. Justin expressed profound thanks to supporters who advocated for them during their period of silence.
There were so many of you who, when we didn’t have a voice, were our voice. Thank you does not feel like enough.
Emily concluded by noting that while additional statements may come in the future, their immediate priority remains healing and spending quality time with their children. The couple attended the world premiere of “It Ends with Us” at AMC Lincoln Square on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, where they were photographed together with actor-director Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily.
