Amidst a challenging legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively described the past year as encountering the "deepest lows" of her life.
Rewritten Article:
A Year Like No Other for Blake Lively: Speaking Out and Fighting for Change
Blake Lively, the captivating star of "Another Simple Favor," recently spilled the beans about the ups and downs she's faced over the past year. In a candid sit-down with Seth Meyers, Lively discussed her rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, urging other women to find their voices amidst fear.
The chat started with Meyers confessing his lack of awareness about Lively's experiences, to which she jokingly replied, "Well, thank goodness you're not hosting 'Weekend Update' right now, or you really would be informed!"
When Meyers eventually asked her to share more, Lively characterized her decision to use her voice as a fight for making the world safer for women and girls. She went on to speak about how the year had been marked by breathtaking highs and harrowing lows.
Lively explained that she sees many women around her, kept silent by their fears. "Fear is deliberately engineered. It silences us," Lively said, acknowledging the challenges that prevent many women from coming forward.
While Lively didn't explicitly mention her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni during the show, their trial, initially announced in January 2026, surrounds their film "It Ends With Us." The film premiered in August 2024, but rumors of tension behind the scenes started circulating well before its release.
The turmoil between Lively and Baldoni escalated in December 2024, when Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, alleging multiple instances of harassment and boundary crossing on set. Baldoni denied the accusations, and in a turn of events, he sued the New York Times for libel, claiming damages worth $250 million, over their coverage of Lively's allegations.
A lawsuit was also filed against Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, producer Jamey Heath, Baldoni's publicist Jennifer Abel, and crisis publicist Melissa Nathan, among others. Lively's legal team alleged that she was a victim of sexual harassment and a smear campaign. In response, Baldoni sued Lively, Ryan Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane's PR firm, accusing them of defamation and other contractual claims.
In a statement to NBC News, Lively's lawyers described the suit as "another chapter in the abuser playbook," rejecting the allegations. Following this back-and-forth, Baldoni and his team developed a website centered around the lawsuit against Lively, featuring their complaint, emails, and texts.
Interestingly, Lively later amended her original complaint, alleging that other women had also complained about Baldoni's inappropriate behavior. As of this writing, attorneys for Baldoni have not yet responded to NBC News' request for comment regarding Lively's allegations.
Throughout these trials and tribulations, Lively finds solace in her four children and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who have been unwavering sources of support. Lively described them as her anchors amidst the chaos.
Despite the mixed reception met by "Another Simple Favor" (46% on Rotten Tomatoes), critics applauded Lively's captivating performance. Some alleged that the film's polarizing response might be due to the backlash from her legal battle, although a causal link remains speculative.
This intriguing tale underscores the importance of persistence, family support, and the fight for justice in the face of adversity.
In 2025, Blake Lively, known for her captivating performances, chose to speak out against fear and silence, utilizing her platform to advocate for safer spaces for women and girls. Despite facing backlash due to her legal battle with Justin Baldoni, Lively was denied ownership of certain shortcuts in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning their film "It Ends With Us." The ongoing court case also involves celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and pop-culture influences like Jamey Heath and Jennifer Abel. Lively's legal team claims Baldoni engaged in sexual harassment and smear campaigns, while Baldoni countersued for defamation. Lively's four children and husband, Ryan Reynolds, have been her anchors during this tumultuous time, increasing the space of love and support for her in her lively and eventful year.
