Things are getting messy in Hollywood folks. Justin Baldoni known for being the sweet guy in "Jane the Virgin" and director of "Five Feet Apart" is caught in a major legal battle with none other than Blake Lively. And guess who just jumped into the fray? Joe Rogan ! Let's break down this whole situation because it is a wild ride.
Joe Rogan Defends "Sweet Guy" Justin Baldoni Slams Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Yep you heard that right Joe Rogan himself is talking about this Hollywood drama on his hugely popular podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience". And he is firmly Team Baldoni. Rogan went straight in claiming Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are basically trying to trash Justin Baldoni's reputation. He even suggested they are trying to use the Me Too movement as a weapon against him. Strong words from Rogan!
Rogan claimed Lively and Reynolds wanted to "take over the movie and the whole franchise" of "It Ends With Us". He thinks the lawsuit is all about power and control not actual harassment. Rogan even brought up some specific details that have been floating around like the breastfeeding incident. He mentioned text messages that seem to show Lively inviting Baldoni into her trailer while she was "pumping" which appears to contradict her claims about him walking in on her while "breastfeeding" without consent. Rogan is saying Baldoni has "receipts" and Lively and Reynolds didn't expect him to fight back so hard.
Rogan also pointed the finger at Ryan Reynolds saying he is "trying to get out of the lawsuit" now but Rogan thinks he is still very much involved. He thinks Baldoni had to go "hard in the paint" as guest Brendan Schaub put it to protect his career and reputation because in Hollywood going up against a power couple like Lively and Reynolds is a scary thing for many people.
The "It Ends With Us" Lawsuit: Sexual Harassment Claims Defamation and Countersuits - What's Really Going On?
So what started all this drama? It all centers around the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover's popular book "It Ends With Us". Blake Lively stars as Lily Bloom and Justin Baldoni not only plays Ryle but also directed the film. The movie came out last summer but behind the scenes things were clearly not smooth.
In December 2024 Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni accusing him of creating a hostile work environment and sexual harassment. She also claims he launched a smear campaign to damage her reputation. Baldoni fired back hard. He denies everything and filed a massive $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for defamation extortion and a bunch of other claims. He also sued The New York Times for $250 million for their coverage of Lively's allegations.
Baldoni even launched a website and leaked voice notes and behind-the-scenes footage to try and clear his name and show his side of the story. He is claiming Lively is retaliating against him for him defending himself. Lively's lawyers tried to get Baldoni's countersuit dismissed arguing it violates California law that protects people speaking out about harassment but Baldoni's lawyer is fighting back saying laws should not be "twisted" for "privileged elites". This legal battle is set to drag on with a trial potentially in March 2026.
Why is Conservative Media Loving This Hollywood Feud? Depp v. Heard Vibes and "Liberal Hypocrisy"
This whole Lively-Baldoni situation has also become a talking point in Conservative media . Figures like Megyn Kelly Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro have been all over this story. Why? Well they seem to see it as a case of "liberal hypocrisy" and a chance to push back against the Me Too movement.
Some right-wing commentators are portraying Lively as the aggressor and Baldoni as the victim. They are framing it as another example of Hollywood elites and "feminism" gone too far. The situation is even being compared to the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard trial. Remember how that trial became a huge online spectacle with many people siding with Depp and criticizing Heard? Some see this Baldoni-Lively feud in a similar light with Baldoni as Depp and Lively as Heard in this narrative.
Conservative media outlets are highlighting any details that seem to support Baldoni's side and paint Lively in a negative light. They love stories about Hollywood scandals and especially ones that they can twist into narratives about "liberal" overreach. It's definitely a complicated situation playing out not just in Hollywood but also in the wider culture wars.
Beyond the Drama: Remember Justin Baldoni's Career Highlights
Amidst all this legal drama it's easy to forget Justin Baldoni's actual career and work. He is more than just a name in a Hollywood lawsuit. Let's not forget:
- "Jane the Virgin" (Actor): Baldoni is widely known and loved for playing Rafael Solano in the popular CW series "Jane the Virgin". This role really put him on the map and showed his charm and acting skills.
- "Five Feet Apart" (Director): Baldoni directed the tearjerker teen romance "Five Feet Apart" starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson. The film was a box office success and showed his directing talent.
- "Clouds" (Director): He also directed "Clouds" a Disney+ film based on the true story of musician Zach Sobiech. This film further solidified his directing career and his ability to tell emotional stories.
- Wayfarer Studios Founder: Baldoni is the co-founder of Wayfarer Studios a production company focused on creating socially conscious and purpose-driven content. This shows his commitment to making a positive impact through his work.
- Author and Speaker: He is also an author and public speaker often talking about topics like masculinity mental health and empathy. This highlights his broader engagement with social issues beyond entertainment.
What's Next for Baldoni Lively and "It Ends With Us"? Legal Battles and Lingering Questions
The Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively legal saga is far from over. With lawsuits flying and reputations on the line this Hollywood feud is likely to continue making headlines for a while. "It Ends With Us" the movie is already out but this behind-the-scenes drama might overshadow the film itself for many. Will Baldoni and Lively settle? Will the truth come out in court? And how will this all impact their careers going forward? It's a Hollywood showdown with a lot of unanswered questions and no easy answers in sight.