The legal battle surrounding It Ends With Us has taken another explosive turn. Newly unsealed court documents have revealed private text messages in which Blake Lively allegedly referred to Justin Baldoni as a “rabid pig,” while accusing him of smearing her during the making and promotion of the film.
The messages, disclosed on January 20, are now part of the official record as Lively’s lawsuit — which alleges sexual harassment and retaliation — heads toward a crucial summary judgment hearing on January 22. That hearing could determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial, currently scheduled for May 2026.
What the Newly Unsealed Messages Say
According to the court filings, the texts were sent by Lively to It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover in July 2024, during a period of heightened tension behind the scenes.
In one exchange, Lively reportedly expressed disbelief that she was being targeted online and professionally after raising concerns about Baldoni’s conduct. She wrote that she felt he was “smearing” her for asking him not to sexually or emotionally harass her, and for pushing to improve the film while also helping mobilise high-profile musicians and entertainers for its marketing.
In another message included in the filings, Lively allegedly said she had “given him EVERY opportunity to make it better,” but claimed Baldoni continued behaving “like a rabid pig.”
The language has since gone viral, adding fuel to an already heated public conversation around the case.
Colleen Hoover’s Response: “Grace Has Limits”
Hoover’s replies, also included in the unsealed evidence, appear to show clear support for Lively. In her response, Hoover reportedly wrote about how women are often taught to extend grace at the cost of their own integrity, adding that Baldoni was “playing victim” while Lively continued working to strengthen the film.
The exchange suggests a deep fracture not just between Lively and Baldoni, but within the creative ecosystem surrounding the adaptation.
Baldoni Denies All Allegations
Baldoni, 41, has categorically denied Lively’s claims. He maintains that there was no coordinated smear campaign and that negative attention online arose organically. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, previously stated that Baldoni is seeking vindication and wants the truth to come out in court.
Notably, a retaliatory countersuit filed earlier by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios was dismissed by the court last year, leaving only Lively’s claims active.
What Lively’s Legal Team Says
In a statement issued the same day the documents were unsealed, Lively’s attorney Sigrid McCawley said the evidence includes testimony, messages, and accounts from multiple eyewitnesses backing Lively’s allegations.
She also noted that internal concerns about Baldoni’s behaviour were allegedly raised as early as Spring 2023, and that multiple women have described what she called “disturbing experiences.”
What Happens Next
A judge will now decide whether some or all of Blake Lively’s claims will move forward to trial. If the case proceeds, it is set for May 2026, ensuring that this legal saga — already spilling far beyond courtrooms — will remain in the spotlight for months to come.
Final Words
With each new document, the It Ends With Us controversy grows more intense and more personal. The unsealed texts add raw emotional context to Blake Lively’s allegations, while Justin Baldoni continues to deny wrongdoing and wait for his day in court.
What was once a high-profile film adaptation has now become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal dramas — and the most decisive chapters are still ahead.
