Justin Baldoni’s Father Subtly Shades Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Amid Legal Battle
Justin Baldoni’s father, Sam Baldoni, has seemingly shown support for his son amid his ongoing legal dispute with Blake Lively—while subtly throwing shade at Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
On March 5, Sam, 61, reportedly shared a video on his Instagram Story featuring a bulletin board with a pointed message:
“In a world full of Blakes and Ryans, be a Justin.”
The New York Post reports that the board was decorated with a collage of photos of Justin Baldoni, news clippings about him, and words like “compassionate,” “supportive,” and “honest.” One clipping specifically referenced Baldoni’s donations from his films Clouds and Five Feet Apart to Claire’s Place Foundation.
Although Sam’s Instagram Story has since been deleted, the original TikTok video from @jennybenners remains online. Reports also claim that Sam reposted the video with a heart-hand emoji, signaling his support for Justin. PEOPLE has reached out to representatives for Baldoni and Lively for further comment.
The Ongoing Legal Feud Between Baldoni and Lively
The legal battle began in December 2024 when Lively sued Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation—allegations Baldoni has denied.
In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and her PR firm, Vision PR, Inc., alleging civil extortion, defamation, and other claims. He is seeking $400 million in damages. Additionally, Baldoni has sued The New York Times for $250 million, accusing the publication of falsely claiming he and his team orchestrated a smear campaign against Lively.
Legal Concerns Over Private Texts
A key development occurred on March 6, 2025, when Lively and Reynolds’ legal team filed a motion to prevent Baldoni from accessing their private text messages with other celebrities, citing concerns over potential leaks.
Meanwhile, both legal teams have opted out of mediation, calling it “inappropriate” and “premature.” As a result, the lawsuits are now set to proceed to trial in March 2026.
With tensions escalating and high-profile Hollywood figures involved, the case continues to draw significant attention as it moves toward a lengthy legal battle.