By Trendsetter Tribune 
An email sent by actress Blake Lively to fellow Hollywood star Ben Affleck during the production of It Ends With Us has surfaced publicly, drawing attention amid her ongoing legal dispute with director and co-star Justin Baldoni.
The message was written in May 2024, shortly after filming wrapped on the movie, which was released in August of that year. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging a hostile work environment and inappropriate conduct during production. Baldoni later filed a countersuit seeking $400 million, but that case was dismissed in November 2025. Lively’s lawsuit remains active, with a trial scheduled for May 18, 2026.
Ahead of a scheduled oral argument on January 22, 2026, several private communications connected to the case were released as part of court filings. Among them was Lively’s email to Affleck, which has since circulated widely online.
In the email, Lively described her experience on the film as deeply distressing. She characterized the production as chaotic and compared it to well-known cultural controversies and troubled projects. She also criticized Baldoni’s leadership style, claiming creative disagreements and internal issues made the process unusually difficult.
Lively wrote that navigating the film’s direction, editing process, and workplace dynamics was challenging, adding that she felt she had been forced to resolve problems she believed could have been avoided. She suggested that the behind-the-scenes story of the film would be more compelling than the finished product itself.
The actress then asked Affleck if he would be willing to watch the movie and offer feedback, emphasizing that the request came with “zero pressure.” She also mentioned his then-wife, Jennifer Lopez, noting her admiration for the singer and actress and welcoming her perspective as well. Lively included a content warning about the film’s domestic violence themes.
It is unclear whether Affleck responded to the email or viewed the film. Neither Affleck nor Lopez has publicly commented on the matter.
The release of the email prompted mixed reactions on social media, with some users criticizing the tone and content of the message, while others viewed it as a private communication never intended for public scrutiny.
As legal proceedings continue, both parties are expected to address these newly revealed materials in upcoming court arguments. No rulings have yet been made regarding how the disclosures may impact the case.