In a candid new interview, Justin Baldoni shared his emotional struggles over the past year, revealing that he had reached out to his close team after a difficult period of “emotional stress” surrounding his legal battle with Blake Lively. The actor and director has been involved in a highly publicized legal feud with the Gossip Girl star since Christmas, and in a recent podcast interview, Baldoni reflected on the toll the situation has taken on him.

The Legal Battle: A Year of Tension

For those who may have missed the ongoing drama, Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have been at the center of a lawsuit since last year. Lively sued Baldoni, her co-star from It Ends With Us, accusing him of sexual harassment on set. She claimed that during the production, Baldoni made inappropriate comments about her weight and pressured her to participate in more intimate scenes than agreed. She also alleged that Baldoni, along with his company Wayfarer Studios, orchestrated a smear campaign against her.

Baldoni strongly denied all allegations, counter-suing Lively for $400 million, accusing her and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of civil extortion and defamation. Adding to the legal drama, Baldoni filed a separate lawsuit against The New York Times over an op-ed Lively published.

A Tough Year for Baldoni

In a deeply emotional conversation on the Gent’s Talk Podcast, Baldoni opened up about how the year of legal battles affected him personally. He shared that he had sent a text to his closest team members—his best friend, his publicist, and the president of his company—explaining that he wasn’t “in the best place” mentally. Baldoni admitted to feeling exhausted and emotionally drained, admitting he hadn’t taken the time to heal from everything he had been through.

He revealed, “I had an intense year. A lot of material success, but a lot of emotional stress. It was very hard on me and my family.” The actor explained that his mental health had suffered, with anxiety taking a significant toll. He acknowledged that he hadn’t given himself the time or space to recover from the events of the year.

Baldoni Reflects on Mental Health and Masculinity

Throughout the podcast,Justin Baldoni also discussed his views on masculinity. He shared his reluctance to use the term “toxic masculinity,” emphasizing the importance of healing and emotional vulnerability. “I realized I just haven’t given myself the time to heal,” Baldoni said, showing a side of himself that many fans rarely see.

The interview, filmed in November, was part of the promotional tour for It Ends With Us, during which fans noticed possible tension between Baldoni and Lively. This interview sheds light on the emotional strain that has shaped Baldoni’s year and gives a rare glimpse into his personal struggles beyond the headlines.

Legal Proceedings and Future Developments

As the legal battle continues, Justin Baldoni’s legal team, led by attorney Bryan Freedman, has launched a website with detailed documents related to the case. These include updated drafts of legal complaints against Lively, Reynolds, and others involved in the production, as well as alleged text messages and email exchanges between Baldoni, Lively, and other cast and crew members.

A trial date has been set for March next year, with both parties facing restrictions on speaking to the press in the lead-up to the trial. The outcome of this Hollywood feud is yet to unfold, but Baldoni’s emotional revelations provide a more human perspective on the legal drama that has gripped the public’s attention.

Conclusion

Justin Baldoni’s interview offers a vulnerable look into the challenges he’s faced behind the scenes. From the emotional toll of his legal dispute with Blake Lively to his struggles with mental health, Baldoni’s candid reflections remind us that even celebrities deal with personal battles we often don’t see. With the trial still ahead, the outcome of this ongoing feud remains uncertain, but Baldoni’s openness about his emotional journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed.