Blake Lively Speaks in Public for 1st Time Amid Justin Baldoni Lawsuit

Blake Lively Opens Up About Her Latest Role Amid Legal Battle

Blake Lively made her second public appearance since filing a lawsuit against her It Ends With Us costar and director, Justin Baldoni, attending the SXSW premiere of Another Simple Favor on Friday, March 7. The 37-year-old actress expressed her excitement about reprising her role in the sequel, calling it her “favorite character” she’s ever played. Lively revealed that she was initially nervous during the filming of the first movie, A Simple Favor, in 2018, because the team wasn’t sure if the film was a drama or a comedy. She recalled asking director Paul Feig for clarity, only to receive a cryptic “yes” that left her even more puzzled. However, she confessed that the uncertainty ultimately worked in their favor.

This time around, Lively felt more confident, having learned from the first film’s experience. However, Feig threw her a curveball just before filming began, introducing an unexpected twist that she refused to reveal during the event. While she admitted that the new element made for an uncomfortable viewing experience, she emphasized how much fun it was to return to the project and collaborate with Anna Kendrick once again. The chemistry between Lively and Kendrick was a highlight of the first film, and their reunion was highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.

Anna Kendrick’s Mixed Signals on the Red Carpet

Anna Kendrick, Lively’s co-star, was also in attendance at the premiere, but her interactions on the red carpet hinted at a more complicated dynamic between the two actresses. When asked by Entertainment Tonight what it was like working with Lively again, Kendrick gave a cryptic response, simply saying, “Oh, you know.” This vague answer sparked speculation among fans and media outlets, especially given rumors that the two had not gotten along during the filming of the first movie.

However, Kendrick’s tone shifted when she spoke to Variety about the film. She deadpanned, “Why? What happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life has been gone. But I hear the movie is amazing,” when asked about the-project being impacted by global events. Her quirky response made light of the situation, suggesting that she was either unaware of the rumors or chose not to engage with them.

Despite the mixed signals, a source close to the production told Us Weekly that Kendrick and Lively have no issues currently. Both actresses are said to “really love” the sequel and have planned joint press appearances to promote the film. However, the insider revealed that they were both disappointed by the negative attention the movie received after the poster was released, with fans focusing on drama rather than the film itself. The actresses reportedly want audiences to concentrate on the storytelling and performances rather than speculation about their relationship.

Lively’s Legal Battle Takes Center Stage

Lively’s appearance at the premiere marked her second public outing since filing a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her It Ends With Us costar and director, in December 2024. The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and a “social manipulation” campaign aimed at damaging her reputation. Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a counter-lawsuit in January, accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist of defamation. Lively and Reynolds have denied the claims, and the case is set to go to trial in March 2026.

The legal drama overshadowed Lively’s previous public appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary special in February. During the event, Ryan Reynolds made a subtle reference to the ongoing legal battle when Amy Poehler and Tina Fey asked how he was doing. He quipped, “Great. Why, what have you heard?” Lively, sitting beside him, maintained a stoic expression, avoiding any direct acknowledgment of the situation.

The Ongoing Battle for Professional and Personal Integrity

The lawsuit has drawn significant media attention, with many outlets speculating about the potential fallout for both Lively and Baldoni’s careers. Lively’s decision to speak publicly about her role in Another Simple Favor while navigating this legal battle demonstrates her commitment to her craft and her determination to maintain a sense of normalcy in the midst of personal and professional challenges.

Both actresses and their teams are likely aware that the legal drama could impact the reception of Another Simple Favor, which is why they are urging fans to focus on the film itself. The sequel has been highly anticipated, with many fans eager to see the return of Lively and Kendrick’s characters. The actresses’ shared enthusiasm for the project and their chemistry on-screen are key factors in generating buzz for the film.

The Power of Female Collaboration in Hollywood

Despite the rumors and legal drama, the partnership between Lively and Kendrick remains a central talking point in the promotion of Another Simple Favor. Their dynamic on-screen has been praised as one of the highlights of the first film, and their ability to collaborate despite personal challenges underscores the resilience of female-led projects in Hollywood.

Moreover, the actresses’ decision to stand together and promote the film despite external distractions highlights the importance of female camaraderie in the entertainment industry. In an environment often dominated by gossip and negativity, their focus on the film’s merits serves as a refreshing reminder of the power of collaboration and shared creativity.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Trial and Beyond

As the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues to unfold, the stakes grow higher for all parties involved. The trial, scheduled for March 2026, will bring renewed attention to the case, potentially overshadowing the release of Another Simple Favor and other projects in which Lively and Baldoni are involved.

For now, Lively and Kendrick are keeping their sights on the film, using their platforms to promote the sequel and connect with fans. Their ability to navigate personal and professional challenges while maintaining a