Hollywood clash: Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni battle explained

Dubai: In the latest twist to the ongoing conflict between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Lively’s brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, has seemingly expressed regret over getting involved.

Johnson, who is married to Lively’s sister Robyn, had written a post on social media platform X last month that was harshly critical of Baldoni. It has since been deleted. 

 But in an apparent change of heart, or opinion, the High School Musical actor had this to say on Tuesday, via a lengthy message on X:

"Anytime I’ve said anything unkind about someone I’ve regretted it. Fortunately that’s almost never and definitely not when I’m at my best. Regardless if it’s true or not, if it’s my opinion, even if I’m trying to speak truth or stand up for someone, it’s never good," he wrote.

He also wrote about how at that point he felt justified taking a particular stand, but later came to regret taking a stand.

"It’s below the standard I have for myself and I regret it. I do sincerely apologise to anyone I’ve hurt or let down by saying something that sounds mean. I’ll do better. If you follow me you know you’ll be hard pressed to find more than 1 time I’ve criticised anyone on social. It’s not my jam. You can easily find a million times I’ve uplifted, support, encourage and uplifted my family, friends, followers & strangers. That’s what I’m committed to and where I find my happiness. We all have flaws and I’m definitely a work in progress and doing my best to grow and be better. Sending ALL my love to ALL of you," he added.

How it all began:

Lively and Baldoni are embroiled in a bitter legal battle, with Lively alleging sexual harassment and other charges in a lawsuit filed against Baldoni in December 2024, a move that immediately resulted in the actor being dropped by his agency, WME. 

 In January 2025, Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios, filed a $400-million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging civil extortion, defamation and other contract-related claims. Baldoni also sued The New York Times, who first published Lively’s allegations. 

 A recent professional fallout from the bitter feud is that the future of Baldoni’s live-action project, Pac-Man, reportedly seems doubtful. 

 Signs of a rift between Baldoni and Lively became apparent when they were spotted separately on press promotions for It Ends With Us, a film based on the eponymous novel by Colleen Hoover that tackles the subject of domestic violence. Baldoni starred in and directed It Ends With Us, which released in cinemas worldwide in August 2024. Lively and Baldwin’s relationship reportedly deteriorated during filming, with Baldoni accusing Ryan Reynolds of interfering in the making of It Ends With Us. 

 As per US media reports, a March 2026 trial date has been set to resolve the disputes between Lively and Baldoni. 

Their star power

 Lively and Baldoni are both high-profile Hollywood celebrities, a factor that only adds fuel to their constantly unraveling public feud. 

 Lively, 37, had a breakthrough role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and its sequel before becoming hugely popular for her portrayal of glamorous student Serena van der Woodsen in the teen drama Gossip Girl. She met her husband Ryan Reynolds on the set of Green Lantern in 2010. Dating rumours emerged months later and the couple tied the knot in 2012. 

Justin Baldoni, 41, is an actor and director best known for portraying Rafael Solano in the telenovela Jane The Virgin. He hosted and produced The Man Enough Podcast through his company Wayfarer Studios. His co-host, journalist and author Liz Plank, quit the podcast amidst Blake Lively’s allegations. Baldoni has also written two books, Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity, and Boys Will Be Human. 

Enid Parker is a UAE-based journalist.