In February 2023, Blake Lively sent a private voice memo to Justin Baldoni regarding the production schedule of the film It Ends With Us, which has now been made public in the midst of their Blake Lively legal battle. The message sheds light on Lively’s concerns about her demanding filming timetable while balancing her family life.
Insight into Blake Lively’s Personal Message to Justin Baldoni
In the unsealed court exhibit, Lively’s voice memo begins with a warm greeting and quickly moves to address a specific concern she wanted to share with Baldoni. She framed the message as a friendly reach-out, communicating the stress she was feeling about back-to-back shooting commitments for It Ends With Us and Proxy soon after the birth of her son, Olin. The memo reveals her hesitation about discussing the matter, noting that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had encouraged her to be open with Baldoni.
“You guys have such a great trust. Fill [Baldoni] in.”
— Ryan Reynolds, actor
Lively said she was speaking to Baldoni primarily as a friend, explaining the pressure of filming so soon after having a baby and struggling with logistics such as finding a baby nurse. She clarified that she did not communicate with the director in the same way she did with Baldoni, emphasizing the personal nature of the conversation.
“I just wanted to connect to put something on your radar.”
— Blake Lively, actress
The Challenges Behind Filming and Motherhood
In the voice memo, Lively expressed the difficulties of balancing intense filming schedules with her responsibilities as a mother of four: daughters James, Inez, Betty, and her infant son, Olin. She highlighted the promise she had made to complete filming but pointed out that the timeline was overwhelming without adequate breaks.
“The only reason that I’m doing [that movie] before is because I gave them my word and I wouldn’t go back on that, but having a week off in between, it’s just a lot.”
— Blake Lively, actress
The actress further explained that shooting in March and April of 2023 was especially challenging because it came shortly after childbirth, limiting her ability to rest and regain her physical condition.
“Shooting in April, shooting in March is just too soon after having a baby and not sleeping and wanting to be in my best shape.”
— Blake Lively, actress
Additionally, Lively noted the emotional strain caused by being separated from her husband for extended periods during filming, something that was new for their family as they typically spent less than two weeks apart.
“Ryan and I have also been really stressed about spending a month apart. … The most we’ve ever done is less than two weeks.”
— Blake Lively, actress
Understanding the Context of the Production Schedule
Lively made it clear that these concerns were not Baldoni’s issue, but she also signaled some flexibility with the schedule, leaving the door open for potential adjustments if feasible. Her tone combined honesty with an awareness that the timeline was likely fixed from the production side.
“I know our schedule is our schedule, I’m not trying to move anything. But if by chance you’re like, ‘Oh my God, if I could go two weeks earlier, that would actually be great,’ then amazing. If it is what it is, then it is what it is.”
— Blake Lively, actress
She closed the conversation on a somewhat poignant note, expressing the loneliness she felt as her social interactions were reduced to leaving voice memos rather than speaking directly to people.
“So nice talking to you. [Well], not talking to you. This is so sad. This is my social interaction these days — just talking into voice memos.”
— Blake Lively, actress
Details of Filming and the Emergence of the Legal Conflict
Lively’s schedule involved filming Proxy from March to May 2023, followed by It Ends With Us from May through June. However, the writers’ strike delayed further production until January 2024. When It Ends With Us, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, premiered in August 2024, speculation about tensions between Lively and Baldoni surfaced, as the two did not interact during promotional events.
By December 2024, Blake Lively had filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, allegations he denied. Baldoni’s counterclaim was dismissed in January 2025, but the legal battle has continued to draw public attention. Recently, unsealed court documents revealed private text messages and emails involving several celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Ben Affleck, alongside Lively’s voice message to Baldoni.
While the dispute remains active, a previously obtained voice message from Baldoni shows his early apology to Lively over disagreements concerning a scene rewrite. In it, he expressed hope that their professional problems would not replicate his negative experiences in the industry.
“Hopefully that’s not going to be the experience with me.”
— Justin Baldoni, actor
Upcoming Trial and Broader Implications
The trial related to this case is scheduled to start on May 18, 2026, with both parties continuing to prepare for legal proceedings. The public nature of the dispute and the release of personal recordings have intensified tensions and drawn widespread media and social media scrutiny.
This case highlights the pressures actors face balancing demanding careers and family life, as well as the serious consequences when professional conflicts escalate into legal action. It also exemplifies the increased visibility of personal disputes in Hollywood, fueled by unsealed evidence and celebrity involvement.
