A private email sent by Blake Lively to actor Ben Affleck has surfaced amid her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, drawing widespread criticism and secondhand embarrassment from fans online.
The email was reportedly sent in May 2024, shortly after production wrapped on the film, which was released in August 2024.
Legal Battle Still Unfolding
In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging he created a hostile work environment and overstepped professional boundaries, including claims of sexual harassment. Baldoni later countersued for $400 million, but that case was dismissed in November 2025.
Lively’s lawsuit remains active, with a trial scheduled for May 18. An oral argument between both legal teams is set for Thursday, Jan. 22. Ahead of that hearing, several private communications tied to the case were made public, including text messages involving Taylor Swift.
Email Describes ‘Chaotic’ Production
Among the released files was an email Lively sent to Affleck describing her experience on set as “the most upsetting” of her career. In the message, she compared the production to infamous scandals such as Wild Wild Country, Fyre Festival, Going Clear, and The Room.
She referred to Baldoni as a “chaotic clown director” and claimed he and members of his team were part of a cult. Lively also suggested the film’s behind-the-scenes documentary would be “more interesting than the movie itself.”
“If I would’ve just formally directed it, it would’ve been much easier,” she wrote, adding that navigating Baldoni’s “taste, ego, and preexisting decisions” made production difficult, along with what she described as “wild HR issues.”
Request for Feedback Raises Eyebrows
Lively ended the email by asking Affleck to watch the film and provide feedback. She also invited input from his then-wife Jennifer Lopez and their children, noting that the movie includes domestic violence themes.
It remains unclear whether Affleck ever responded or viewed the film. Since the email’s release, social media users have criticized Lively’s tone and remarks, with many calling the message inappropriate and awkward.
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