Justin Baldoni, known for his role in *Jane the Virgin* and for directing and starring in *It Ends With Us*,
shared an emotional moment during a preview of his first public interview amidst his ongoing legal conflict with co-star Blake Lively.
In a teaser clip from his upcoming appearance on the *Gent’s Talk* podcast, Baldoni is seen wiping away tears as he reflects on what he calls an “intense year.”
The interview, which is set to air on Monday, was filmed a month prior to Lively’s public accusations against Baldoni.
Lively, known for her role in *Gossip Girl*, filed a $250 million lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, claiming that he sexually harassed her
while they were filming *It Ends With Us* and launched a smear campaign after she spoke out about the alleged mistreatment.
In the emotional clip shared on TikTok, Baldoni, 41, discusses his struggles and reveals that the emotional toll of the year has affected him deeply. “I had an intense year,” he tells host Samir Mourani during the interview. When asked why he felt anxiety that morning, Baldoni admits, “I haven’t talked about this yet, but…” before the clip cuts to black, leaving viewers with a sense of uncertainty surrounding the source of his emotional response.
This heartfelt moment comes amid Baldoni’s high-profile legal battle with Lively. The actor has publicly denied Lively’s sexual harassment allegations through his attorney, Bryan Freedman, and he countersued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, on New Year’s Day for $400 million. The counterclaim alleges defamation, extortion, and other charges, claiming that Lively’s actions have damaged Baldoni’s reputation. Lively’s legal team has strongly denied these counterclaims, escalating the tension between the two stars.
The feud has made headlines across the entertainment world, with both Baldoni and Lively making public statements about the events surrounding the making of *It Ends With Us*, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. In his defense, Baldoni has gone to great lengths to prove his innocence. He has released raw footage from the film’s set, as well as voice memos, text messages, and a website outlining the timeline of events during production. Baldoni claims that Lively attempted to gain control over the movie, and he has pointed to this as a key element in their legal disputes.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Baldoni has also filed a lawsuit against the *New York Times* for $250 million, accusing the newspaper of libel and false light invasion of privacy. This comes after the *New York Times* published an article that detailed Lively’s accusations and described how Baldoni’s team allegedly worked to tarnish her image. Baldoni’s legal team argues that the article was based on false information and misrepresented the situation.
Lively’s lawsuit and Baldoni’s counterclaim have captured the attention of fans and the media alike. The public nature of the legal battle has made both stars the subject of widespread discussion, with some defending Baldoni’s character and others supporting Lively’s claims. The complexity of the situation, including the defamation and harassment allegations, has left many people wondering how the case will play out in court and what new details will emerge as both parties continue to pursue their respective claims.
As for Baldoni, the actor-director seems to be struggling with the emotional toll of the situation, as evidenced by his tearful response in the interview preview. While the interview was filmed before Lively’s legal action was taken public, it’s clear that Baldoni has been grappling with the pressure and anxiety surrounding the allegations. As the case continues to unfold, fans will be watching closely for any new developments in this highly publicized legal drama.
With both Baldoni and Lively’s legal teams firmly entrenched in their positions, it remains to be seen how the lawsuit will impact their careers and reputations moving forward. Baldoni’s emotional moment in the *Gent’s Talk* interview hints at the personal strain this legal battle has placed on him, and as the story develops, both stars will undoubtedly face continued public scrutiny.
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