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Newly unsealed audio has added fresh tension to the public feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. The short clip, circulated by media outlets this week, captures a private moment between director and star from early 2023 — and it has resurfaced amid their heated legal fight.
What the leaked voice note shows
The recording, obtained by outlets covering the case, captures Baldoni responding warmly to photos Lively sent after a costume fitting for the Colleen Hoover adaptation. He reportedly told her the look gave him chills and praised the way the costume suited her role.
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The clip frames a cordial exchange months before the relationship between the two became adversarial in court papers.
On-set context: the film and Lively’s role
Lively was testing looks for Lily Bloom, the protagonist of It Ends With Us, while preparing to juggle two projects and a new baby. Sources say the actress and director exchanged scheduling notes and wardrobe images as the production moved into prep.
- Filming for Proxy: March–May 2023.
- It Ends With Us shoot: May–June 2023, then resumed January 2024 after the writers’ strike.
- Lively gave birth to her son, Olin, in February 2023 and discussed accommodations with Baldoni.
Messages and the “friend” remark
Other unsealed messages reveal Lively referring to Baldoni as a “friend” while discussing the production schedule. She told him she was reaching out in a personal capacity about balancing work and postpartum life.
According to those records, Lively said her husband encouraged open communication with Baldoni because they had developed a strong level of trust.
How the dispute escalated into court
Tensions did not appear in public until the film’s release in August 2024. A few months later, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of misconduct. He denied the claim and later filed his own countersuit in January 2025.
Baldoni’s countersuit was ultimately dismissed, but the exchanges and documents made public since then have kept the story in headlines.
Selected developments from the legal battle
- August 2024: It Ends With Us premieres and media scrutiny rises.
- December 2024: Lively lodges a lawsuit alleging harassment.
- January 2025: Baldoni files a countersuit; that filing is later dismissed.
- Early 2026: Several private communications are unsealed, including messages involving other celebrities.
- May 18, 2026: The next scheduled court hearing.
Wider fallout and celebrity names in records
Unsealed materials have shown messages involving high-profile figures outside the immediate production. Media reports name several A-listers whose communications were included in court filings.
Publicists for the principals did not immediately respond to requests for comment when the voice note surfaced.
What the recordings may mean for the case
Legal analysts say informal messages and voice notes can be read different ways in litigation. Friendly exchanges do not necessarily resolve allegations, but they may influence narrative framing in court.
Both camps are expected to use communications strategically as they prepare for the next legal steps.
Public and industry reaction
The release of private audio and messages has reignited debate about workplace dynamics on high-profile productions. Observers have noted how quickly behind-the-scenes material can reshape public perception.
- Fans and industry figures have been vocal on social media.
- Trade outlets continue to track court filings and newly unsealed items.
- Legal commentators emphasize that court outcomes rest on evidence and testimony.
