Justin Baldoni has given fans an unexpected look behind the scenes of the It Ends With Us premiere, revealing an unconventional and uncomfortable experience at the event.
The actor-director shared photos from the August 2024 premiere showing him and his family in a windowless basement, while his co-star Blake Lively made her grand arrival elsewhere. The photos, which show Baldoni and his loved ones surrounded by concession stand supplies and stacks of Dasani water bottles, offer a glimpse into the unusual situation he found himself in.
This new revelation seemingly aligns with Baldoni’s claims in his ongoing legal battle with Lively. In a $400 million countersuit filed on January 16, Baldoni alleges that he was “confined to a makeshift holding area” during the premiere to “avoid any interaction with Lively or her guests.” This move, according to Baldoni, was orchestrated to separate him from Lively and her entourage.
Court documents from the countersuit further noted the irony of Baldoni being kept in the basement, especially given the significance of the premiere to his career. “The irony of being held in a basement on what was arguably one of the most important nights of Baldoni’s career was not lost on anyone,” the documents stated.
In addition to this, Baldoni’s lawsuit claims that his production company, Wayfarer Studios, was forced to organize its own separate after-party, after being excluded from the official celebrity event.
Lively’s legal team, however, has denied Baldoni’s allegations, calling his lawsuit “another chapter in the abuser playbook.” They also referenced her prior sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni in their response.
This legal drama is part of a series of disputes between the co-stars, including Baldoni’s $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, stemming from their coverage of Lively’s allegations. As the legal proceedings continue, the public feud between the two seems to only intensify, casting a shadow over their professional relationship.