Justin Baldoni Slammed as ‘Moron’ by Studio Exec Over Rape Comments in ‘It Ends With Us’ Interview

Justin Baldoni’s legal saga has reached a boiling point as recently unsealed court documents reveal a scathing assessment from the studio that distributed his 2024 film, It Ends With Us. The actor-director, who has been embroiled in a high-profile feud with co-star Blake Lively, was reportedly labeled a “moron” by a top Sony executive following a controversial press interview.

The explosive claim comes from an August 5, 2024, email allegedly sent by Sony Pictures senior marketing executive Danni Maggin. In the message, Maggin criticized Baldoni for an interview with the Dallas Morning News where he discussed the motivation behind a domestic assault scene. Justin is basically alluding to ‘raping’ Atlas out of Lily, Maggin allegedly wrote, referring to the film’s characters. We cut the tape but he is a moron.

According to the unsealed filings, the marketing team was desperate to contain Baldoni’s commentary, which they felt veered dangerously off-script. The email noted that Josh Greenstein, then-president of Sony’s Motion Group, felt Baldoni shouldn’t do any more press. The tension stemmed from a strict marketing directive to avoid talking about this film that makes it feel sad or heavy and to instead focus more on Lily’s strength and resilience.

The documents quote Baldoni’s description of a scene where his character, Ryle, assaults Lively’s character, Lily. Baldoni reportedly told the interviewer that Ryle’s twisted motivation was essentially to force any love she had for Atlas out of her, adding, There’s another word we used and I’m sure in your imagination you can go there. Lively’s legal team argues these comments were a direct violation of the agreed-upon marketing strategy.

Baldoni, however, has consistently fought back against these characterizations. Through his attorneys, he argued in his now-dismissed countersuit that he never agreed to the restrictive marketing plan. His team maintains that he intended to bring authentic awareness to the issue of domestic violence, rather than glossing over it for the sake of a “hopeful” promotional tone.

Outside of the courtroom, Baldoni is pushing forward with his career through his production company, Wayfarer Studios.

Meanwhile, Blake Lively has stayed busy both in front of the camera and in the courtroom. She recently completed filming for the highly anticipated sequel Another Simple Favor, which is slated for a 2026 release.

The legal battle between the two stars is currently scheduled to head to a full trial on May 18. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman recently heard arguments for a summary judgment, but the unsealed messages, including texts between Lively and her close friend Taylor Swift, ensure that the public’s fascination with the behind-the-scenes drama remains at an all-time high.

As both parties prepare for their day in court, the industry is closely watching how this case might set new precedents for creative control and set conduct in Hollywood. What started as a successful literary adaptation has transformed into one of the most litigious and scrutinized celebrity feuds of the decade.

Share your thoughts on the studio’s reaction and the ongoing legal battle in the comments.