Justin Baldoni Relaxes on the Waves as Legal Drama Continues to Unfold
Justin Baldoni is not letting the pressures of a high-stakes legal battle keep him from catching some rays. The It Ends with Us director celebrated his 42nd birthday on Sunday, January 24, with a family getaway to the beaches of Costa Rica. While his legal teams are busy preparing for a confrontation in New York, Baldoni appeared completely at ease as he stripped down to his swim trunks and hit the Pacific waves with a surfboard in hand.
Observers noted that the actor looked remarkably unbothered, showcasing his athletic build and seasoned surfing technique for the cameras. The guy looked totally carefree, soaking up the beach life and riding those killer waves like he didn’t have a worry in the world, one report noted. While he did experience a few symbolic wipeouts in the water, he quickly recovered, reflecting the resilience his family has praised throughout his recent professional struggles.
👀 Justin Baldoni is seen surfing in Costa Rica on his birthday trip amid the legal mess. https://t.co/z4GnIzTb4X
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2026
🎥: BACKGRID pic.twitter.com/IUAVlrrKNg
This tropical retreat comes at a pivotal moment in the ongoing drama between Baldoni and his former co-star, Blake Lively. Just last week, unsealed court documents revealed a series of explosive communications, including a text message allegedly sent by Taylor Swift to Lively that reportedly used disparaging language to describe Baldoni. Despite these headline-grabbing revelations, Baldoni’s birthday trip suggests he is prioritizing family time and mental clarity before the civil trial officially kicks off on May 18.
His parents also used the weekend to offer their public support, with his father, Sam, describing the past twelve months as a year full of turmoil and injustice. His mother, Sharon, expressed her deep appreciation for the “Justice for Justin” movement that has grown on social media. While the director has kept a low profile himself, his family’s messages make it clear that they view the upcoming court proceedings as a necessary path to vindication.
Justin Baldoni is a multitalented filmmaker and actor best known for his long-running role on the CW series Jane the Virgin. Since moving behind the camera, he has directed several hit features through his company, Wayfarer Studios, which he co-founded to produce “socially conscious” entertainment. His most recent directorial effort, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us, became one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of 2024, despite the controversy that emerged during its marketing campaign.
Beyond his legal battles, Baldoni is staying active in the production world with several major projects on the horizon for 2026. He is currently serving as an executive producer on Eleanor the Great, which marks the directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson and stars Academy Award nominee June Squibb.
Do you think Justin’s decision to maintain a public image of peace and relaxation will help or hurt his case when he finally faces a jury this spring? Share your thoughts in the comments.