In the current legal dispute involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, the director of It Ends With Us has presented purported text messages between the two as evidence in his $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times. Baldoni is leveraging these communications to counter Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, which she has reported to the California Civil Rights Department.

The messages, exclusively acquired by In Touch, illustrate Lively’s participation in discussions regarding her character’s attire, with one specific exchange highlighting her preference for “sexier” outfits.

Blake Lively alleged a text exchange with Justin Baldoni

Baldoni's lawsuit claims that The NY Times reported a biased story, favoring Lively’s side and ignoring evidence that contradicted her narrative. The outlet has however maintained that their reporting was accurate and thorough.

The Gossip Girl star sued her co-star in an eight-page lawsuit citing multiple misconducts including inappropriate comments and actions by him and producer Jamey Heath. Lively alleges that Baldoni and Heath repeatedly entered her trailer uninvited, even during private moments like breastfeeding, and that they touched others on set in a way that made her uncomfortable.

Baldoni's defence

Justin refutes the claims made in his lawsuit, providing text messages that underscore Lively's significant involvement in the creative process, including her suggestion for a more "alluring" wardrobe for her character.

His lawsuit states, "When Baldoni subsequently used the term 'sexy,' he was merely acknowledging her creative contributions, rather than objectifying her. Lively established the tone that Baldoni followed throughout the creative process."

In a separate text conversation, the legal team representing the Jane the Virgin star seems to challenge Blake Lively's assertion that their intimate scenes were spontaneous and unplanned. Justin's evidence reportedly indicates that an intimacy coordinator was present on set, although Blake allegedly postponed her meeting with them until the filming commenced.

Justin further contests Blake's assertions regarding various incidents, including the occasion when he and Jamey entered her trailer, asserting that these actions were not inappropriate. He claims that Blake was comfortable with their presence and even extended an invitation for him to rehearse lines while she was breastfeeding. Justin argues that the media has distorted the narrative surrounding these events.

He also clarified that an incident in which Jamey purportedly saw Blake topless was inaccurately portrayed; in reality, she was covered, and Jamey had knocked and been welcomed in for a meeting.

“Both Heath and Baldoni are parents and are at ease around breastfeeding mothers, and Lively appeared to be equally comfortable. Notably, Baldoni’s wife co-founded a company that produces a breastfeeding garment, a prototype that originated with his mother during his infancy. Furthermore, as indicated in a text message exchange between Baldoni and Lively shortly after filming commenced, Lively invited Baldoni to her trailer to rehearse lines while she was pumping breast milk,” stated Baldoni's attorney.

Both parties have initiated lawsuits against one another, alleging acts of retaliation. Blake has accused Wayfarer Studios of retaliating against her for voicing concerns regarding workplace safety and harassment.

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