Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni’s Flirty Texts Add New Twist To Legal Drama

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s ongoing legal battle has cast them as adversaries in the public eye, but newly revealed text exchanges paint a much more complex picture—one that began with warmth, humor, and even flirtation.

Texts and messages included in court filings from their heated legal disputes now raise the question: Were the sparks between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni strictly professional, or was there more beneath the surface?

The actors worked together on the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s acclaimed novel, which explores themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse. Despite its challenging subject matter, the film became a surprise box office hit, grossing $351 million on a modest $25 million budget.

However, their professional triumph has been overshadowed by lawsuits and contentious court filings that now depict a strained and combative relationship. Yet, according to Baldoni’s lawyers, the two stars initially enjoyed “friendly banter” and a “comfortable dynamic” that should have made filming seamless.

According to Daily Mail, one of their text message conversations is now shedding new light on their relationship.

“I feel the same. It’s such a good feeling to get work done that we’re proud of. And to do it together,” Lively wrote to Baldoni in one exchange. “It just clicks when we find it.”

According to Baldoni, their partnership grew close enough that they exchanged daily texts filled with humor, support, and personal anecdotes.

They "shared stories and pictures from their lives, commiserated over family illnesses and exchanged jokes and memes," Baldoni’s legal team wrote, describing the "Gossip Girl" alum and the actor-director’s rapport.

Baldoni also noted that their dynamic included “friendly banter” and a “comfortable ease” that he believed would make working together a positive experience.

In one playful exchange, Baldoni complimented Lively, saying, “I like sentimental Blake.” She jokingly responded, “Never met her.” When Baldoni quipped, “I also like a--hole Blake… don’t worry,” Lively laughed it off with self-deprecating humor: “I’ve met her. So have my suppositories.”

In May 2023, just before filming began for their blockbuster adaptation of Hoover’s novel, their messages reflected excitement and mutual gratitude. Lively wrote over email, “I’m excited to start tomorrow. But it’s only one piece of the journey. We started months ago.”

She expressed appreciation for Baldoni’s dedication, adding, “Thank you for caring so much and for putting every bit of you into showing it.”

Baldoni, a married father of two, reciprocated the encouragement, texting Lively after a shoot, “I’m not going to tell you that you were amazing because you tease me for being so sentimental – but you were amazing today.”

Lively replied, “Thank you, I do appreciate it. I’m just a ball buster, but it means a lot to me. I care a great deal. And always want to deliver.” She concluded with praise, “You were terrific. I’m proud of everything we did today, but really every day.”

Despite these early moments of camaraderie, things between the co-stars unraveled over time, leading to what Baldoni’s lawyers describe as a contentious and strained relationship. Their once-flourishing partnership has since devolved into public legal battles that starkly contrasts their initial warmth and mutual admiration.

These leaked text messages come after a trial date had officially been set for March 9, 2026. Judge Lewis J. Liman announced the date on Tuesday, while also expediting an initial conference from mid-February to next week, citing the rising tensions between the two actors in court and the public sphere.

It also comes after behind-the-scenes footage from the film was leaked, in which Lively can be heard joking, “I’m probably getting spray tan on you,” to which Baldoni laughs and responds, “It smells good.” His team asserts the footage undermines her claims and portrays the interaction as lighthearted rather than inappropriate.

Additionally, Baldoni’s countersuit against Lively accuses her of making disparaging remarks about his appearance, including suggesting he consider plastic surgery for his nose. More behind-the-scenes footage shows the actors joking about Baldoni’s nose, with Lively referencing plastic surgery in a seemingly playful manner.