Justin Baldoni has accused Blake Lively of trying to set him up after she refused to use a body double during intimate scenes in the film “It Ends With Us.” The allegations emerge from private messages as part of their ongoing legal battle.
Explanation: A body double is a substitute actress used in films or series to perform certain scenes in place of the main actress.
"She refused the body double," Baldoni wrote in a private message to his former agent, Danny Greenberg, on December 30, 2023.
According to him, this move was an attempt to trap him, while Blake Lively, according to him, insisted that he use a double for their intimate scenes.
While describing the horrific week he was going through to his agent, Baldoni revealed that Lively had rejected his ideas for romantic scenes, even suggesting that both actors remain fully clothed in one of these scenes, something he called "ridiculous, if you know the book."
The actor claimed that he was agreeing to about 95% of her requests just for the sake of peace, but described the entire process as an extremely tiring experience.
He also confirmed that he would meet with Lively at her home to discuss the changes he wanted to make to the film, saying that she had insisted that the meeting take place there.
Justin Baldoni added that Lively had also objected to the presence of Wayfarer Productions CEO Jamey Heath on set.
"I'm trying my best to stay positive and meet as many requests as possible, just so we can close this project, but it's going to be difficult," he wrote, adding that according to him, Lively was damaging her reputation.
Although representatives for both parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment, a source close to the actress told Page Six that these messages were sent only after she detailed the ways in which Baldoni and Heath had created a hostile work environment on set.
The source added that the messages show a vindictive attitude on Baldon's part and his private anger at protective measures he had publicly called "reasonable" and "essential."
As previously reported, one of the main reasons for the clash between the two stars was the disagreements that arose during the making of the film. While Baldoni was a director, actor and producer through his company Wayfarer Productions, Lively also had a role as a producer.
Reports indicate that Lively also requested an alternate version of the film's cut, and the studio ultimately chose a more "feminine" version. It has also been reported that Baldoni made Lively feel uncomfortable on set and created an extremely difficult atmosphere for the crew.
In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a formal lawsuit against Baldon for sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and loss of earnings. Baldon countersued with a $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, but it was dismissed by the court.
The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026.
