Justin Baldoni is heard apologizing to his co-star Blake Lively in an audio message apparently sent to Lively amid production of their film “It Ends with Us,” long before the two stars launched into a legal battle that continues to play out in the public eye.

Blake Lively and ‘It Ends With Us’ costar and director Justin Baldoni’s alleged feud and lawsuits explained after her initial filing in December 2024

A New York court has also set a March 2026 trial date and intends to consolidate the crisscrossing lawsuits between Lively and her director and co-star, who is suing both Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds.

What began as whispers of behind-the-scenes drama has now erupted into a full-blown legal battle between the film's lead Blake Lively, and director-producer-star, Justin Baldoni. The actors have taken legal action against each other,

Lively sued Baldoni in New York in December for harassment and attacks on her reputation. Baldoni sued this month, accusing Lively and her husband of defamation and extortion.

Baldoni’s lawsuit also alleged that he felt “obliged” to accept and praise a revised version of the rooftop scene allegedly written by Lively (who later claimed it was written by her husband Ryan Reynolds) for fear of incurring the wrath of Reynolds and Lively’s best friend, Taylor Swift.

Actor Bart Johnson said he is sorry for a December social media post that appeared to criticize the "It Ends With Us" director and his "man bun."

Justin Baldoni’s bid to bring Pac-Man to the big screen may be in peril. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor’s legal feud with his It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively has strained his relationship with talent agency WME.