Justin Baldoni Parents Address Difficult Year as Blake Lively Drama Continues
Justin Baldoni’s parents are standing firmly behind their son as he celebrates a milestone birthday in the shadow of an intense legal conflict.
The Jane the Virgin star turned 42 on Saturday, January 24, prompting heartfelt tributes from his father, Sam, and his mother, Sharon. Both parents used the occasion to hint at the “grievous situation” their son has navigated over the past year, which has been dominated by his public and legal fallout with actress Blake Lively.
In a social media post, Sam Baldoni recalled the “spiritual” and “exhilarating” experience of holding Justin for the first time following a difficult labor. He praised the man his son has become, specifically lauding his dedication to his wife, Emily, and their two children. Son, in a year full of turmoil and injustice, you have remained steadfast in your faith, knowing that truth and justice will prevail! Sam wrote, emphasizing his pride in Justin’s integrity despite the ongoing professional storm.
Sharon Baldoni echoed this sentiment by sharing a meaningful quotation from the Baha’i writings, a faith the family devoutly practices. She expressed deep gratitude for the “Justice for Justin” movement that has gained momentum among fans worldwide. I never imagined I would see the words ‘Justice for Justin’ from people all over the world, in support of my son, she shared, thanking those who have championed him through these difficult times.
The tension between Baldoni and Lively stems from their collaboration on the 2024 blockbuster It Ends with Us, which Baldoni directed and starred in alongside Lively. Following the film’s release, Lively filed a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing the director of s***** harassment and a coordinated smear campaign. Baldoni has denied all allegations, and while he filed a countersuit for defamation and extortion, a judge threw it out in late 2025, leaving the two stars headed for a civil trial now scheduled for May 18.
Justin Baldoni first rose to fame as the charming Rafael Solano on the hit CW series Jane the Virgin, but he has since established himself as a significant force behind the camera. He is the co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, a production company focused on socially conscious content, and has directed successful films like Five Feet Apart and Clouds. In addition to his film work, Baldoni is a best-selling author of Man Enough, a book that explores the complexities of modern masculinity and evolved from his popular TED talk and podcast of the same name.
As for the film that sparked the controversy, It Ends with Us remains a massive commercial success, having grossed over $350 million globally. Based on the Colleen Hoover novel, the movie follows Lily Bloom (Lively) as she navigates an abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni). While the film was praised for its handling of domestic violence themes, the real-world drama between its lead stars has arguably become just as well-known as the plot itself.
The upcoming May trial is expected to be one of the most high-profile Hollywood legal battles of 2026, with fans and industry experts alike watching closely. Baldoni has remained relatively quiet on social media throughout the ordeal, choosing instead to let his legal team and family speak to his character. As the court date approaches, the “Justice for Justin” sentiment continues to be a focal point for those supporting the director’s side of the story.
Do you believe that the public’s perception of “It Ends with Us” has been permanently altered by the personal conflict between its stars, or can the film’s message about domestic abuse still stand on its own? Share your thoughts in the comments.