Justin Baldoni Faces Fresh Verbal Abuse Allegations as Blake Lively Trial Looms

The glittering façade of Hollywood is cracking once again. Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni, best known for his role in Jane the Virgin and as the director of the controversial adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us, now faces fresh accusations of misconduct—this time from an unnamed individual whose testimony could become pivotal in his upcoming legal showdown with actress Blake Lively.

A Redacted Bombshell

In a sworn declaration obtained by PEOPLE, the unnamed accuser claims they endured “repeated, negative interactions with Mr. Baldoni and his associates, including verbal abuse by Mr. Baldoni.” Though the project in question has not been publicly identified, sources confirm it was not It Ends with Us.

The accuser further stated that they requested Baldoni not be involved in marketing or publicity for the unnamed project. The declaration also references a meeting with Steve Sarowitz, co-founder of Baldoni’s production company Wayfarer Studios.

According to insiders, this individual is expected to testify in Lively v. Wayfarer Studios et al., the explosive lawsuit set to go to trial in March 2026.

The Blake Lively Connection

The backdrop to this revelation is Lively’s ongoing legal battle against Baldoni. In December 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint, claiming Baldoni created a hostile environment during the filming of It Ends with Us. Her allegations include unwelcome behavior and a retaliatory smear campaign after she reported her concerns to Sony executives in 2023.

Two female costars from the project have reportedly agreed to testify about their own negative experiences with Baldoni. In addition, actress Isabela Ferrer, who also appeared in the film, accused Baldoni’s legal team of “bad faith tactics” aimed at discrediting her.

Baldoni’s counterclaims against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, which alleged extortion and defamation, were dismissed by Judge Liman earlier this year.

Hollywood’s High-Stakes Courtroom Drama

The case is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic Hollywood trials in recent memory, intertwining celebrity reputations, gender dynamics, and the culture of silence in high-powered productions. Attorneys for both Lively and Baldoni have confirmed that the two actor-producers plan to testify.

For Lively, the lawsuit is about accountability in an industry where powerful figures too often go unchecked. “No one should be forced to endure unwelcome behavior just to keep their career alive,” her legal team has argued.

For Baldoni, the trial is about salvaging his career and reputation. Once seen as a progressive voice in Hollywood—championing vulnerability, empathy, and male sensitivity through his public work—Baldoni is now fighting allegations that directly contradict his carefully cultivated image.

A Pattern of Accusations

While the new accuser remains unnamed, their willingness to testify suggests a widening circle of voices challenging Baldoni’s behavior. The fact that multiple women from It Ends with Us have also spoken out only deepens questions about whether this is an isolated misunderstanding or part of a broader pattern.

The entertainment world has seen similar cases before. Allegations against Harvey Weinstein, Scott Rudin, and others revealed how verbal abuse, intimidation, and harassment often flourish behind closed doors. The Baldoni case threatens to reignite debates about whether Hollywood has truly changed since the #MeToo movement—or whether systemic issues remain.

Industry Repercussions

Hollywood insiders are closely watching the case’s impact on Baldoni’s career. With the trial set for March 2026, major studios and streaming platforms are treading carefully, wary of the public fallout. One executive, speaking anonymously, said: “If these allegations hold, it could derail his career entirely. But even if he’s cleared, the shadow of these claims will follow him.”

For Lively, the trial is equally high-stakes. While she has enjoyed a steady career post-Gossip Girl and is seen as a respected producer, going up against a co-star and director in court carries risks. Win or lose, her willingness to take on the fight will likely define her industry legacy as much as any role she has played.

Silence and Retaliation

The unnamed accuser’s declaration paints a troubling picture of how power operates in Hollywood. The statement notes that after experiencing verbal abuse, they felt compelled to distance themselves from Baldoni in professional settings, specifically requesting that he not be involved in promotional efforts.

Such details mirror Lively’s complaint, which alleged that multiple female cast members expressed concerns about Baldoni’s “unwelcome behavior” but feared retaliation if they spoke up.

The possibility that this unnamed accuser could bolster Lively’s case raises the stakes even further, potentially giving jurors a broader picture of Baldoni’s alleged conduct.

The Human Cost Behind the Headlines

For all its legal complexity, the case boils down to deeply human questions about respect, dignity, and power in creative environments. Allegations of verbal abuse, harassment, and intimidation are not just professional disputes—they take a toll on mental health, career opportunities, and personal lives.

In interviews, those close to both Lively and Baldoni describe the ordeal as exhausting, stressful, and career-defining. “This trial isn’t just about one project—it’s about the future of how stars and directors work together in an industry that has too often protected its most powerful,” one source close to the case said.

What Comes Next?

With the trial date set for March 9, 2026, both sides are preparing for a grueling legal battle. Testimonies from unnamed accusers, fellow costars, and the stars themselves are expected to dominate headlines for months.

For Justin Baldoni, the trial represents a fight for survival in an industry that thrives on perception as much as talent. For Blake Lively, it represents a stand against harassment and the culture of silence. For Hollywood, it may become a litmus test of whether the promises of accountability made during the #MeToo movement still hold weight.

One thing is clear: the courtroom drama set to unfold in 2026 will be more than just a legal battle—it will be a defining moment for Hollywood’s struggle with power, abuse, and the people brave enough to speak out.