Ryan Reynolds has spoken out following the public release of private messages in which he used harsh language about actor Justin Baldoni. The texts, originating from July 2024, surfaced amid the ongoing legal battle between Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, and Baldoni. These revelations have intensified the Ryan Reynolds text controversy, attracting widespread attention and debate.
The 49-year-old actor allegedly called Baldoni a “thoroughbred, predatory fraudster” and an “inexplicably toxic mess” in these messages, which were unveiled through court documents tied to Lively’s lawsuit. This legal suit accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of their film It Ends With Us.
The Background of the Legal Dispute Involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
The lawsuit began in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed charges against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of their movie. Lively also claimed Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her throughout the film’s promotional events earlier that year.
Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. He accused them of trying to sabotage his reputation and manipulate the film’s creative direction. However, this countersuit was dismissed in June 2025, with Lively’s trial against Baldoni scheduled to start in May 2026.
Ahead of the trial, hundreds of court documents—including unsealed communications—were released last week, exposing several exchanges involving Reynolds, Lively, and others.
Details from Reynolds’ Unsealed Texts to Agency Executives
Among the disclosures were text messages from Reynolds to agents and executives at his talent agency, WME (William Morris Endeavor). In one message, apparently sent near the film’s release, Reynolds expressed frustration about the movie’s handling, stating,
I’m super frustrated because this is a moment in which Blake should be celebrating. She made this unbelievable win happen.
He also criticized Baldoni and others involved for not confronting rumors about the film openly, writing,
Baldoni and these other buckets of dumb-dumb-juice should be acknowledging the speculation and gossip themselves. They should be jumping in front of it in the most full-throated, unqualified way. Now.
Reynolds further complained about the chaos surrounding the film’s reception, saying that his wife
should not be subjected to some eye-roll-y narrative of the ‘controlling b*tch.’
He defended Lively by asserting,
I’d put Blake’s reputation on trial any day of the week. She’s worked with… dozens of other mercurial, and ab*sive people. In her experience, nobody has ever reached the empyrean heights of vile the way Justin Baldoni has.
Rising Tensions Behind the Scenes: Reynolds’ Characterization of Baldoni
In another set of messages from the court filings, Reynolds harshly described Baldoni’s actions as
a character study in malignant, lazy-lidded stupidity and darkness,
condemning what he perceived as Baldoni’s lack of remorse or concern for consequences. These private comments have sparked significant public backlash and discussion.
In response, a spokesperson for Reynolds issued a formal statement to Puck News defending the actor’s involvement and choice of words. The representative said,
Yes, Ryan got involved – what husband wouldn’t support his wife and the mother of his children?
They continued,
He saw his wife fighting daily to stand up against s*xual harassment in a private and respectful way, only to face retaliation for doing so. If anything, Ryan feels like he wasn’t angry enough.
The statement concluded,
He passionately believes in and will stand up for the basic right to a safe workplace free of harassment and retaliation for his wife and others. Then, now and always.
Public Backlash Against Reynolds’ Defense and Reactions on Social Media
The public response to Reynolds’ spokesperson’s remarks was largely skeptical, with many social media users expressing disbelief and frustration. One user criticized,
Of course, his rep is going to defend him. He goes against him and he out of work.
Another commented,
His representation supports him because that’s about the only people supporting him after this statement. When is he gonna realize that the people supporting him are the ones that are making money off of him.
Additional criticism centered on what some saw as an obsession by Reynolds and Lively with harming Baldoni’s reputation, such as this comment:
I can’t even explain how worrying his behavior is, and how he is presenting. It’s like him and Blake are obsessed with destroying someone.
Others added,
When the ‘apology tour’ is just more attacks. This was certainly not what the PR person advised. But Blake and Ryan also know better than everyone else,
and another user bluntly stated,
I think we have heard enough from Ryan Reynolds. Ryan and his wife own the mess they created. He should sit this one out or just go away.
Additional Revelations from Messages Involving Other Celebrities
Beyond texts to agency executives, messages exchanged between Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Matt Damon, Taylor Swift, and others also became public. In one exchange, Reynolds invited Damon and his wife, Lucy, to a screening of It Ends With Us, describing it as a zero-pressure ask:
We know how important family time is…so no worries either way. We’d LOVE to get your well earned pov…And if your girls want to see it on the big screen at B’s family and friends screening Saturday at 6pm, they’re obviously most welcome!
He also reflected on the chaotic experience filming the movie, claiming,
This movie has been one of the all-time zingers on and off set. One day, we’ll make a movie about the movie. And we can’t wait to tell you all about it. The stories are already finding their place in the pantheon of legendary Hollywood Insanity.
Blake Lively then joined the conversation, downplaying pressure but also cautioning,
Be warned, it covers domestic violence in key places, so I just want to be sure you know. This movie nearly k*lled me.
In another text referring to Baldoni’s role, she accused him of having
zero experience. But the good news is he also has no taste, and an enormous ego, but only because he’s in a cult and believes he’s our century’s prophet.
Legal Experts Weigh in on the Strategic Release of Texts
A source told Puck News that having these private communications made public was Ryan Reynolds’ worst nightmare given his strong desire to protect his public image. Legal commentators have noted that unveiling these documents just before the trial appears to be a purposeful tactic by both legal teams, aiming to influence public perception and courtroom dynamics ahead of the scheduled trial in May.
The Broader Impact and Online Reactions to the Scandal
With the release of these texts, social media has been full of harsh judgments. One commenter wrote,
What a nasty bunch of bullies these two are!!!! Absolutely disgusting,
while another branded,
[Ryan’s] an absolute horror of a person.
These sentiments highlight the emotional and contentious nature of the Ryan Reynolds text controversy as it continues to unfold in the public eye.
The ongoing litigation and highly charged exchanges demonstrate how deeply personal conflicts in Hollywood can become widely publicized, creating ripple effects beyond the courtroom. With the trial set to begin soon, the entertainment industry and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this dispute resolves and what it means for the reputations of those involved.
