Actor Justin Baldoni and his wife, Emily Baldoni, have broken a nearly two-year public silence with a video addressing "so many painful things that have been spoken into existence over the last couple of years." The release comes months after settling a lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni in December 2024. The timing of the video, which coincided with reports of Lively being excluded from Taylor Swift's recent wedding, has drawn significant attention.
Sources suggest the Baldonis' carefully timed message may be a subtle reference to the fallout from Lively's legal dispute with Justin Baldoni and the subsequent public damage to her friendships, particularly with Swift. The lawsuit, which was settled in May, involved accusations of sexual harassment against Baldoni. Although the bulk of Lively's claims were reportedly reduced, the affair publicly strained relationships.
During the legal proceedings, text messages surfaced where Lively allegedly referred to herself as Khaleesi from "Game of Thrones" and cast Swift and Ryan Reynolds as her "dragons." This characterization, made public during the lawsuit, is believed to have contributed to the estrangement between Lively and Swift. Lively's friendship with Swift has been a subject of speculation, especially after Lively's absence from Swift's wedding, an event attended by numerous high-profile figures.
A source told the Daily Mail that Lively was "sad and upset" about being excluded from the wedding, expressing hope that their history would have ensured an invitation. Instead, Lively was reportedly attending her daughter's pony riding competition while other celebrities gathered at Madison Square Garden.
The Baldonis stated that they had refrained from speaking publicly for an extended period, feeling that the timing was never right. In their video, they expressed that they are "healing" and that the process is not linear. Justin Baldoni thanked fans for being their voice when they felt they did not have one and credited his faith and intuition for guiding them through difficult times. Emily Baldoni emphasized the importance of family, stating, "it's this. It's our kids."
Industry insiders suggest that the legal battles and public disputes have negatively impacted Lively's career. One executive told the Daily Mail that the lawsuit "has ruined her in Hollywood," citing a reputation for being "difficult" and "toxic." Her production company, B for Effort, has not completed a film since its launch in March 2020. Reports indicate that Lively has not made a film since "It Ends With Us," which was at the center of her dispute with Baldoni. She was reportedly in talks for the action rom-com "The Survivalist" but there has been no update.
The Baldonis concluded their video hinting at further statements, with Justin Baldoni saying, "And we will say it." The couple, who relocated to Nashville, expressed feeling "loved" and suggested they have more to share about their experiences.