Justin Baldoni makes a social media return amid ongoing Blake Lively legal battle

Justin Baldoni quietly stepped back into the social media spotlight with a heartfelt Mother’s Day post, sharing a family photo and tender words for his wife and mother amid the swirling legal drama surrounding his co-star, Blake Lively. The 41-year-old actor–director, best known for helming and starring in It Ends With Us, had refrained from public commentary since Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit in December 2024, which he staunchly denies.

His latest Instagram message—

“My mom gave us faith. My wife is the definition of it. Our children are growing up in the fortress of that love,” he wrote—marks his first personal update in months, offering fans a glimpse of family life despite the court papers looming in the background.

Justin Baldoni’s social media return

Baldoni’s Sunday post was a straightforward celebration of motherhood, yet it carried extra weight given the timing. By spotlighting his wife Emily and his mother Sharon, he reminded followers of what he describes as “the fortress of that love”. This appearance comes just days after Emily’s own birthday tribute to Baldoni, where she praised him as “the man, husband, and father that you are”.

On the legal front, Lively’s initial complaint—filed with California’s Civil Rights Department on December 20, 2024—accuses Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of sexual harassment and intimidation on the It Ends With Us set. Baldoni countered in mid-January with a $400 million lawsuit alleging defamation and civil extortion, naming Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloan among the defendants.

As discovery unfolds, both camps have traded barbed public statements: Lively’s team calling Baldoni’s countersuit “meritless,” while his lawyer vows to “swiftly debunk” her allegations as the trial, set for March 2026, draws closer.

Unpacking the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni legal drama

The It Ends With Us controversy has escalated beyond Hollywood gossip into a high-stakes courtroom battle. After Lively’s December lawsuit, Baldoni quickly moved to defend his reputation, suing not only Lively but also her inner circle and even the New York Times for libel, arguing the paper’s report relied on “cherry-picked” evidence.

The counterclaims paint a picture of alleged interference by Ryan Reynolds and purported efforts to “destroy” Baldoni’s career through social media campaigns—charges Lively’s team calls baseless. Adding a celebrity twist, Taylor Swift was reportedly subpoenaed as a witness in early May, accused of influencing creative decisions on the film—an assertion her representatives strongly deny, insisting she only licensed a song for the soundtrack.

Meanwhile, Blake’s sister Robyn Lively voiced unwavering support at a recent gala, praising Blake’s courage and hinting at “distractions” launched to deflect from the heart of the case. Spanish-language outlets confirm that Blake will take the stand when the trial begins, setting the stage for her first full public testimony on the matter.

Public reaction has spanned think-pieces on power dynamics in Hollywood, video essays scrutinizing #MeToo-era accountability, and social-media debates over whether creative disagreements should become courtroom affairs.

Critics argue the lawsuit risks overshadowing the novel’s message about domestic violence, while others see it as a landmark moment in holding high-profile figures to account. Through it all, Baldoni’s latest post underscores his focus on faith and family as the legal proceedings march on toward 2026.

Justin Baldoni’s return to Instagram may have been framed as a simple Mother’s Day tribute, but in the context of a high-profile legal battle with Blake Lively, it doubles as a carefully timed reminder of what he’s fighting to protect—his reputation and his loved ones. As the case advances, both stars seem poised to maintain public grace while their attorneys tackle the drama behind closed doors.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.