The legal drama surrounding It Ends With Us just took another explosive turn. Newly unsealed court testimony has revealed that a senior Sony Pictures executive once referred to Blake Lively as a “f—ing terrorist” during a tense behind-the-scenes standoff on the film — a moment now playing a key role in Lively’s ongoing lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
The remark, admitted under oath, adds another disturbing layer to a case that is rapidly becoming one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal battles.
What the Deposition Revealed
The statement came from Andrea Giannetti, Executive Vice President of Production and Senior Creative at Sony Pictures. In a deposition dated September 23 — and unsealed on January 20 — Giannetti confirmed that she made the remark to producer Jamey Heath after learning that Lively had threatened to quit the film.
According to the testimony, Lively had presented a “17-point list” of requested changes and warned that she would walk away unless the list was signed without revisions.
When asked directly if she recalled calling Lively a “f—ing terrorist,” Giannetti responded plainly: “Yes.”
Studio Pressure and a $28 Million Problem
Giannetti explained that the comment was made during a moment of intense pressure. By that point, Sony had already invested around $28 million into the project. If production collapsed, the film risked becoming unreleasable.
“There was a tremendous amount of money that had been invested and spent, and we had to finish the movie or it was unreleasable,” Giannetti testified.
She also stated that she did not recall Lively detailing specific incidents of discomfort involving Baldoni or fellow producer Heath in mid-May 2024 — though she acknowledged being aware that Lively was prepared to leave if her concerns were not addressed.
A Very Different Tone After Release
Despite the internal turmoil, Giannetti’s tone reportedly changed dramatically after the film’s release in August 2024.
In a text message entered into evidence, she praised Lively effusively following the movie’s strong box office performance, writing that Lively’s “blood, sweat, tears, brilliant smarts, heart and soul” were in every frame. The message referenced the film crossing $50 million early in its run.
During testimony, Giannetti described the film’s financial performance as “gigantic,” estimating a worldwide box office close to $350 million — an impressive figure for the genre and budget.
Jenny Slate’s Statements Add Weight
Additional unsealed materials include statements from Jenny Slate, who described the production environment as “disturbing.” Slate claimed she was “one of many” who felt uncomfortable and said that both she and Lively had raised concerns directly with Giannetti.
In messages included in the filings, Slate criticized Baldoni sharply, calling him a “false ally” and rejecting what she described as his attempt to craft a public image as a “male feminist.” She added that she had never encountered anyone like him in her career.
Where the Case Stands Now
Lively’s attorney Sigrid McCawley said the newly unsealed materials include testimony, messages, and eyewitness accounts that back Lively’s claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. She noted that internal concerns were documented as early as Spring 2023 and that a retaliatory countersuit by Wayfarer Studios was dismissed last year.
A judge is now set to hear arguments on January 22 to determine whether some or all of Lively’s claims will move forward. If they do, the case is currently scheduled to go to trial in May 2026.
Final Words
What began as a behind-the-scenes disagreement has now exposed a deeply fractured production environment — one involving explosive language, high financial stakes, and allegations that refuse to stay buried. As more sealed evidence comes into public view, It Ends With Us is no longer just a film title — it’s a symbol of a legal and cultural reckoning playing out in real time.
The next court hearing may decide whether this story finally reaches a jury — or escalates even further.
