Blake Lively Lets Loose At Universal Orlando While Justin Baldoni Legal Fight Goes On

Blake Lively isn’t letting a courtroom battle kill her vibe. The actress was spotted cutting loose at Universal Studios Orlando, turning her legal drama with Justin Baldoni into a backdrop for some serious theme park fun. The "Gossip Girl" star dropped a carousel of snaps on Instagram, showing off her playful side as she rocked a bucket hat, layered necklaces, and a big smile. One selfie showed her grinning next to the Wicked Witch’s costume, while another snap showed her hanging out with SpongeBob’s crew, posing with Patrick Star and Squidward like a total tourist.

Alongside her carousel of photos, Blake Lively shared a heartfelt caption about her trip. The actress explained that she was in Orlando for work but decided to “stay to play,” sneaking in time at the parks with her kids. “Each park was more incredible than the last,” she wrote, before raving about Universal’s newest addition. “But man oh man, that EPIC park is something special… when you’re in there, it feels like you’re living inside the movies. So magical. Core memories for all of us.”

She closed by thanking Universal Orlando for hosting her family, calling the experience one of the most inspiring and connective moments they’ve ever shared. “It really is unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” Blake added, signing off with a magic wand and heart emoji.

Of course, this lighthearted outing comes as Blake remains locked in a messy legal battle with her "It Ends With Us" director, Justin Baldoni. The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel about domestic violence and resilience, hit theaters in August 2024 and later arrived on Netflix that December. Despite box office success, tension between its stars has lingered well beyond the film’s release.

Months after the premiere, a wave of controversy emerged. Lively’s rumored "SNL" hosting gig fizzled, her beauty line launch faltered, and whispers of behind-the-scenes turmoil grew louder. By late 2024, those whispers became headlines when the actress filed a 10-claim complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and other executives tied to the project.

In the explosive filing, Lively accused the defendants of creating a “hostile work environment” and even orchestrating a smear campaign designed to “destroy her reputation.” She also alleged sexual harassment and pointed to what she described as an “Astroturfing” effort to discredit her both personally and professionally.

In the 80-page complaint, Lively claims, “Mr. Baldoni and his Wayfarer associates embarked on a sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation for Ms. Lively exercising her legally-protected right to speak up about their misconduct on the set, with the additional objective of intimidating her and anyone else from revealing in public what actually occurred.” It is also packed with seemingly damning text messages between Baldoni and crisis communications specialist Melissa Nathan and her company.

Amid the speculation, Lively’s co-star Brandon Sklenar, who played Atlas Corrigan, Lily Bloom’s other love interest, publicly voiced his support for her.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Sklenar addressed the online chatter head-on. “I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,” he wrote. “Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves. Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about.”

The drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has only intensified in recent weeks, with new courtroom revelations making headlines.

On September 12, Baldoni’s legal team tried to take things one step further by attempting to secure a deposition from none other than Taylor Swift. In a September 11 filing, Baldoni’s camp argued that Swift had agreed to testify between October 20–25. But Swift’s camp swiftly denied that any such agreement existed, noting her focus on her forthcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl" (out October 3).

Judge Lewis Liman wasted no time shutting it down, ruling that the "Eras Tour" star would not be deposed. He also granted Lively a 10-day extension for depositions of Baldoni and key Wayfarer executives Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath, a move seen as a strategic win for the actress as the case barrels forward.