Scarlett Johansson has become an unexpected figure in the ongoing legal dispute involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni regarding the film It Ends With Us. This development surfaced after an unearthed audio recording featured Johansson’s name, intertwining her with the high-stakes lawsuit. The recording sheds new light on tensions within the project and introduces Johansson’s directorial experience into the mix.
Behind the Audio: Insights from Filmmaker and Producer Conversations
The recently surfaced audio, originating from filmmaker Claire Ayoub, captures Wayfarer co-founder Steve Sarowitz discussing his work with both Johansson and Lively. Sarowitz, who collaborated with Johansson on her debut as a director with Eleanor the Great last September, contrasted his experiences with the two actresses. He expressed enthusiasm about supporting Johansson’s first directing role, describing the endeavor as an example of women’s empowerment in the film industry.
“I love this women’s empowerment. We have another first-time director we supported,”
Sarowitz said, as reported by Us Weekly.
Ayoub teased Sarowitz about Johansson’s involvement, saying,
“A woman named Scarlett Johansson? I’m so excited for her!”
In response, Sarowitz remarked,
“We’re trying to give her her first big break. Maybe people will hear of her after this.”
Sarowitz lauded Johansson’s demeanor during their collaboration, calling her
“so cool, calm, collected and confident … and nice.”
However, he also made a pointed comparison, noting a distinct difference in Lively’s behavior.
“It’s so interesting because you work with so many people. Almost everybody is nice, and then there’s Blake — she is totally different than everyone else. Not to say anything bad about her, but she’s different.”
Further reflecting on interpersonal dynamics, Sarowitz added:
“I think for the most part most people see what we are doing, see we’re nice, and they’re nice back. Even if they weren’t perfectly nice. I just think some people forgot to learn how to be nice,”
he continued.
Context of the Lawsuit and Previous Disputes
The audio appears tied to Lively’s ongoing lawsuit against Baldoni, filed in December 2024. Lively’s complaint alleges sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and lost wages connected to the production of It Ends With Us. Baldoni responded with a countersuit demanding $400 million from Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, but this claim was dismissed. The court has scheduled the trial to begin May 18, 2026.
Claire Ayoub, who previously collaborated with Baldoni and Wayfarer on the 2024 film Empire Waist, also submitted a declaration in September 2025 accusing Baldoni and Wayfarer of repeated negative interactions and verbal abuse directed at her. The recording featuring Sarowitz and Ayoub was reportedly submitted by Lively’s legal team as part of their case.
Neither Lively, Baldoni, nor Johansson representatives responded immediately to requests for comments regarding the recording or the ongoing litigation.
Interpersonal and Industry Connections Spotlighted by the Case
The entanglement of Johansson in the dispute is partly due to her relationship history with Ryan Reynolds, who was married to her from 2008 to 2011 before marrying Blake Lively in 2012. Johansson herself has since been married twice, including to Romain Dauriac from 2014 to 2017, and to actor Colin Jost, her current husband, since 2020.
This constellation of connections, combined with behind-the-scenes revelations like the Sarowitz recording, intensifies public interest and media scrutiny in this complicated celebrity lawsuit.
Broader Impact and What to Expect Next
The introduction of Scarlett Johansson’s name in the context of this lawsuit highlights the ever-complex nature of Hollywood collaborations and personal relationships. It also underscores how legal battles in the entertainment industry can entangle multiple figures beyond the immediate parties involved. As the May 2026 trial approaches, attention will likely focus on how the recording and other testimonies influence the proceedings and outcomes for Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and others implicated.
