Blake Lively Called Justin Baldoni ‘A Clown’ in Text Messages, Court Documents Reveal

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s feud has taken another dramatic turn. Newly unsealed court documents from Lively’s ongoing lawsuit against Baldoni reveal text messages in which the actress referred to her It Ends With Us co‑star and director as a “doofus director” and a “clown.” The revelations come as the case heads toward trial in May, keeping the spotlight firmly on the fractured relationship between the two stars.

Background of the Case

Lively filed suit against Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni has denied the allegations and is defending himself against the claims. His $400 million counter‑suit was dismissed by a judge in June 2025. The legal battle has drawn widespread attention, not only because of the high‑profile names involved but also due to the film’s success and the public fallout surrounding its production.

Text Messages Surface

The newly unsealed documents include messages from 2023 in which Lively vented to friends and colleagues about her experiences on set. In one exchange, she described Baldoni as “this doofus director of my movie” and “a clown who thinks he’s a writer now.” Other texts show her calling him a “rabid pig.” Singer Taylor Swift, a close friend of Lively, also appeared in the exchanges, joking that Baldoni “knew the lawsuit was coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin.”

Lively’s Defense

Lively’s legal team did not deny the language used but argued that the texts were taken out of context. They pointed to subsequent messages in which Lively expressed a willingness to collaborate, telling Baldoni that “we all benefit” from her relationships with Swift and Ryan Reynolds, and promising, “you will too.”

Allegations of Misconduct

The documents also include testimony from actress Jenny Slate, who co‑starred in It Ends With Us. Slate alleged misconduct on set and confirmed she had filed complaints against Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath. Liz Plank, Baldoni’s former podcast co‑host, described her time on set as “truly one of the worst days of [her] life.” Lively herself texted Plank in May 2023, saying she “came home and cried” after a troubling set visit.

Baldoni’s Perspective

Texts from Baldoni also surfaced, showing his concerns about Lively’s allegations. In February 2024, he told Heath that Lively “had the nuclear bomb” and could damage his reputation by leaking claims that she felt unsafe. He suggested she might use the allegations as leverage if she chose not to promote the film.

What’s Next

The case is scheduled for a summary judgment hearing on January 22, with the trial set for May. As the legal battle unfolds, both stars remain under scrutiny, and the resurfaced texts have only fueled public interest in the dispute.