Justin Baldoni recently found himself in the spotlight for a controversial joke made while filming “It Ends With Us” alongside Blake Lively. In footage obtained by TMZ and presented in his ongoing legal dispute with Lively, Baldoni humorously claimed to have “missed the sexual harassment training.” This remark has sparked significant attention as it occurred during prep for a scene where he complimented Lively’s appearance.
In the video, Baldoni addressed Lively, who was facing away from the camera, commenting on her attire and playfully suggesting she had something caught in her teeth. He further joked about needing a toothpick, followed by his “missed training” remark directed at co-star Jenny Slate. The lighthearted banter concluded with Baldoni making an exaggerated eye roll at the camera.
Amid the controversy, Baldoni’s attorney indicated in a court motion that the actor was merely apologizing for potential inappropriateness, stating that Lively acknowledged the comment was “all good,” though this exchange is not clearly captured in the video. Baldoni’s defense has asserted that his “sexy” comment was not out of line, given that Lively was wearing a fleece onesie during the encounter.
The situation escalated when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and other related claims. This legal battle arose against a backdrop of speculation regarding their relationship while promoting their film, where they play romantic leads.
In response, Baldoni denied the allegations and countersued Lively in January for civil extortion and defamation, but his lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in June. His legal team has maintained that the case lacked merit, arguing that “no reasonable jury” would side with Lively, who claims to have suffered $161 million in lost profits.
As both actors prepare for trial, scheduled for March, additional evidence has surfaced, including text exchanges between Baldoni and actor Rainn Wilson regarding a confrontation with Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds. Additionally, Colleen Hoover, the author of “It Ends With Us,” expressed her disappointment towards Baldoni, feeling caught between the two.
This ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities of workplace dynamics in Hollywood and the scrutiny that comes with it. As the trial approaches, the anticipation surrounding the case continues to grow, leaving the public eager to see how it unfolds.