Justin Baldoni has issued a statement that is reportedly authored by Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, calling on him to accept accountability for the unfavourable media coverage related to It Ends with Us. As per Baldoni’s legal representatives, the couple sought his public recognition of the film's "troubled production" and aimed to shield Lively from additional scrutiny. Nevertheless, Baldoni declined to comply, intensifying an already contentious legal dispute between the involved parties.

Blake Lively allegedly penned Justin Baldoni’s 'accountability' statement

Baldoni's assertions were presented in a revised complaint posted on his newly established website, amidst his ongoing legal conflict with Lively. On February 1, the actor and director disseminated two PDFs detailing the allegations and including all text messages and email correspondence from the onset of production.

The actor from Jane the Virgin contends that Lively and Reynolds composed the statement in August 2024, expressing frustration over Lively's portrayal in the film's promotional materials. According to Baldoni, he was coerced into releasing the statement, which reads:

“It Ends with Us was a troubled production for which we take full responsibility. We sincerely apologize to everyone we have upset, both privately and publicly.”

The statement further defends Lively and the cast:

“Blake Lively, Colleen Hoover, and the entire cast and crew exhibited professionalism at every stage. Any negativity directed at them is our responsibility.” The statement continued, “We mutually agreed that the cast would promote the film separately and understood the rationale behind this decision.”

“...We accept full responsibility; it is not anyone else's duty but ours, and that is part of being 'man enough.' We will embody our principles. We are learning and evolving from this experience, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we seek a more effective way to move forward…”

Justin Baldoni ‘rejected’ Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's demand

Baldoni and his associates assert that they dismissed the request, contending that the statement suggested culpability without tackling particular issues. Additionally, his legal representatives claim that Lively and Reynolds issued threats of consequences should he decline to acquiesce, warning that "the gloves will come off."

This disclosure arises in the context of Lively’s lawsuit filed in December 2024 against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, in which he accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and of orchestrating a defamation campaign. Baldoni has refuted these claims and has initiated a countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane for defamation and extortion.

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