Justin Baldoni has had a rough year, and he’s not afraid to admit it. The actor-director recently got emotional during an interview on the “Gent’s Talk” podcast, where he revealed the toll his personal struggles have taken on him.
Emotional breakdown in teaser clip
In a newly released teaser for the podcast, Baldoni, 40, is seen breaking down as he opens up about his “intense year.” The actor says, “I had anxiety,” his voice shaky with emotion. He goes on to share, “This morning I sent a text message,” hinting at the strain his situation has put on him. He then tells host Samir Mourani, “I haven’t talked about this yet,” as the camera catches him holding his face in his hands. The emotional teaser ends abruptly, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the full interview, which airs on Feb. 10.
Legal battle with Blake Lively
This raw moment comes in the midst of Baldoni’s legal clash with Blake Lively, his co-star from It Ends With Us. In late 2023, Lively, 37, filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and claiming he had orchestrated a smear campaign against her. The legal documents, which gained attention from the New York Times, were later turned into a formal lawsuit.
Baldoni has vigorously denied the allegations and has filed his own defamation lawsuit against Lively, as well as against the Times for their coverage of the case.
Financial and emotional toll
In recent court filings, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, revealed just how deeply this legal battle is affecting his client. “He has been devastated financially and emotionally,” Freedman said, speaking about Baldoni’s struggle with the ongoing lawsuits. Freedman also represents Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, along with other key figures involved in the case.
The legal fight escalates
The situation has escalated even further. Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist on January 16. The actor has continuously fought back against the claims made by Lively, releasing raw footage from the set of It Ends With Us and launching a website that includes alleged text messages between the two stars.
Despite Baldoni’s efforts to clear his name, the legal battles are far from over. A judge has set the trial for May 2026, giving both sides years to prepare for what could be a lengthy courtroom showdown.
Baldoni’s struggle to stay
strong
While the details of the lawsuit and the ongoing dispute with Lively have been difficult for Baldoni, he continues to focus on his career. He remains committed to his work and his personal life, even as the emotional and financial strain weighs heavily on him. The full interview on “Gent’s Talk” promises more insight into how this tumultuous year has affected the actor-director, and fans are eager to see what he shares.
