The latest release of unsealed documents in the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Released on Tuesday, these documents provide a scathing look at the egotism and backdoor dealings of some of the industry’s most prominent figures.
At the heart of this controversy are text messages and emails that reveal a clique of celebrities seemingly intent on ostracizing Baldoni. The exchanges, which include notable names such as Taylor Swift, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Lopez, paint a picture of a high school-like drama unfolding in Hollywood’s upper echelons.
The Fallout of a Hollywood Feud
The documents reveal a particularly damaging exchange between Blake Lively and Taylor Swift. Lively, seeking assistance from Swift, texted on April 12, 2023, asking for help in dealing with Baldoni, whom she referred to as a “doofus director.” Swift’s response, “I’ll do anything for you!!”, suggests a willingness to participate in Lively’s agenda.
These revelations are particularly embarrassing for Swift, who had previously distanced herself from the situation, claiming she had no involvement in the dispute. The texts suggest otherwise, casting doubt on her public statements and damaging her carefully curated public image.
Star-Studded Cameos and Industry Reactions
In a surprising twist, the documents also involve other Hollywood heavyweights. Lively reached out to Ben Affleck, requesting his opinion on her cut of the film “It Ends with Us,” which she had taken over from Baldoni. The email was filled with flattery, even referencing Affleck’s Dunkin’ commercial, yet no response from Affleck was recorded in the court documents.
Matt Damon, Affleck’s long-time friend and collaborator, was also drawn into the drama. In a group text with Lively, Reynolds, and Damon’s wife, Damon offered support, suggesting Lively could direct her next project at Artists Equity, a company he co-founded with Affleck. However, given the circumstances, it’s unclear if this offer still stands.
Allegations and Industry Implications
The documents also touch on serious allegations made by Lively against Baldoni. In her lawsuit filed in late 2024, Lively accused Baldoni of “severe” sexual harassment, claims that Baldoni has denied. Interestingly, these allegations are absent from the released communications, raising questions about their validity and the motivations behind them.
Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, also features prominently in the documents. In an August 2024 email to his agent, Reynolds expressed frustration over the lack of support for Lively, describing his anger and the effort Lively put into the project. His passionate defense, however, seems to have done little to sway public opinion or industry insiders.
The Court of Public Opinion
The fallout from these revelations has been swift and severe. According to emails from Sony president Sanford Panitch, Lively has been labeled “unhireable” within the industry. Panitch criticized Lively’s handling of the situation, suggesting that her actions have irreparably damaged her career.
“She is done for,” Panitch wrote. “She did it to herself.”
This scandal echoes past Hollywood controversies, such as the 2014 Sony hack that exposed unflattering communications about Angelina Jolie. That incident led to significant repercussions for those involved, including the resignation of Sony Pictures’ then-chief, Amy Pascal.
As the legal battle continues, the future for Lively and Reynolds looks uncertain. While they may win their lawsuit, the damage to their reputations could be irreversible. In the court of public opinion, it seems the verdict is already in.
