S Poddar
In a leaked voice note that has since gone viral, Justin Baldoni can be heard apologizing to Blake Lively for his actions during the production of It Ends With Us. The audio, which lasts nearly seven minutes, captures Baldoni expressing regret over his response to changes Lively made to a pivotal rooftop scene in the film. The message, reportedly sent at 2 a.m., reveals a raw and emotional side of Baldoni as he acknowledges his mistakes and attempts to make amends.
“Man, reading the second part of your message, my heart sank, and I’m really sorry. I, for sure, fell short, and you worked really hard on that,” Baldoni says in the voice note obtained by TMZ. He continues, “I feel really grateful that you feel safe enough to tell me that’s how you feel and share that with me. And I’m really sorry. I f***ed up. That is a fail on my part.”
The leaked audio shines light on tensions that reportedly occurred between Baldoni and Lively during the shooting of the drama, months before their relationship was further strained and eventually led to a lawsuit with claims of sexual harassment. According to the voice note, the apology by Baldoni seems an attempt to salvage Lively’s disappointment with the way he had handled the situation.
In the letter, Baldoni confesses that he is “far from perfect,” to which he continues, “I’m a very flawed man, as my wife will attest. But I will always apologize and then find my way back to center. That is one thing I can assure you of. And I’m sorry I made you feel that way – that must have felt terrible.”
The Independent contacted both Baldoni and Lively for comment, but neither has publicly commented on the leaked audio at the time of writing.
The voice note also mentions the fact that she talked about how her husband Ryan Reynolds and closest friend Taylor Swift both supported all of her changes to the script. Baldoni concedes and says, “We should all have friends like that, outside of the fact they’re two of the most creative people on the planet. The three of you guys together is unbelievable. Talk about energy. Force. All three of you.”
However, he highlights that he made the apology unconditionally not about Lively referencing Reynolds or even Swift. “I didn’t need that, it is truly good and has going to let the movie sing like you mentioned, and so I’m so excited to ride through the full movie with you,” he responds.
The leaked audio comes at a time when the two are locked in a heated legal battle. In December 2024, Lively had accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a “smear campaign” against her following the production of It Ends With Us. Baldoni had strongly denied those allegations, responding with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds for allegedly trying to “destroy” his career and reputation.
The controversy has cast a shadow over the highly anticipated film, which was initially praised for its compelling storyline and star-studded cast. Fans of both actors have been divided, with some expressing support for Lively and others defending Baldoni’s character.
The leaked voice note has just added fuel to the fire with many speculating about the nature of the relationship between Baldoni and Lively during the shoot. While for some, the apology by Baldoni is seen as a serious attempt to assume responsibility for his actions, to others, it is a clever move to cut down the extent of the backlash from the lawsuit.
Whether or not the apology is genuine, it is undeniable that the leaked audio has increased the public’s interest in the legal drama unfolding. As the case continues to develop, it is unclear how these revelations will impact the careers of both Baldoni and Lively, as well as the reception of It Ends With Us.
In all this, one is reminded that the entertainment world is often as complex as it is trying and that it will sometimes hit rough patches as artistic differences blend into personal issues. For now, fans and critics alike can only piece together a truth that fits the available facts as this story continues to develop.
As the legal battle continues, it is clear that the fallout of this controversy will have lasting effects on all parties. Whether the apology by Baldoni will suffice to repair damage done is left to be seen, but one thing is sure: it certainly added a new layer of intrigue to an already tumultuous saga.
