New legal documents reveal troubling workplace allegations surrounding the production of It Ends With Us.
Jenny Slate’s recently unsealed deposition paints a disturbing picture of her experience working with director Justin Baldoni.
The testimony, delivered September 26 in New York, includes text messages that detail what Slate describes as “a really gross and disturbing shoot.”
These revelations add significant weight to Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer.
Unsealed Messages Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
On January 20, courts unsealed multiple documents as part of Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni. Among them sat Slate’s deposition transcript, which included her private text messages sent during production.
Writing to her former agent, Slate didn’t mince words about the working environment.
This week was really intense for a few reasons. It’s like fascinating and also so s—ty. Justin and Jamey [Heath] are truly unfit. I’m not scared or anything, just repulsed and deeply irritated, and I know Blake is experiencing that on a much more serious level.
Jamey Heath served as a producer for Wayfarer during production. Slate’s concerns extended to both men equally.
Her messages grew more pointed as filming continued. In subsequent texts, she expressed genuine unease about Baldoni’s behavior.
I feel like it’s about to get really bad and I’m not sure what Blake’s limit is but she’s really taken a lot of crap from them, like crazy s—, and I’m not kidding when I tell you that Justin and Jamey me freak me out. Like they tell really weird lies and Justin is astoundingly wrongheaded.
The “Male Feminist” Persona Under Scrutiny
Baldoni gained recognition for his 2017 TED Talk about redefining masculinity and empowering women. That public image stands in stark contrast to Slate’s private assessment of his character.
Referencing that very TED Talk, Slate wrote scathing observations about what she witnessed on set.
I really don’t get how he did a TED Talk. He is worse than most of the bros I’ve encountered, not because he’s predatory but because of his general fragility and misogyny, like not seeming to be aware of any of the obvious no-no’s.
She didn’t stop there. Additional messages obtained by PEOPLE show Slate actively requesting separation from Baldoni during promotional activities.
I don’t want to do anything with Justin, I don’t want to talk about him, like … nothing. And the same goes for Jamey [Heath], who is truly unprofessional.
Her assessment of Baldoni’s public persona versus private behavior couldn’t be clearer.
Justin is truly a false ally and I’m unwilling to do anything that promotes the image that he’s crafting as a ‘male feminist.’ Honestly I have no words to describe what a fraud he is.
Allegations of Inappropriate Comments on Set
Beyond general workplace concerns, Slate’s deposition addressed specific incidents. She recounted one particularly uncomfortable moment involving Baldoni.
According to her testimony, Baldoni approached her on set and made a comment about her appearance.
I can say this because my wife is here, but you look sexy in what you’re wearing.
Slate characterized this remark as completely inappropriate for any workplace setting.
The comment was about me, not my character. It wasn’t useful for my work. It wasn’t anything I wanted. It was unwanted and had no place, in my professional experience.
When asked why she didn’t address the comment immediately, Slate explained the power dynamics at play.
I didn’t feel comfortable. He was my boss, and I just wanted to do my work and leave.
Multiple Cast Members Shared Concerns
Slate made clear she wasn’t alone in experiencing problems during production. Her messages indicate widespread discomfort among cast and crew.
Describing the filming environment, she wrote that it was “a really gross and disturbing shoot,” adding emphatically: “I’m one of many who feel [this] way.”
According to Slate’s texts, concerns weren’t kept quiet. Both she and Lively took their complaints directly to studio executives.
Her final assessment of Baldoni pulled no punches.
I honestly have never ever encountered anything like this dude. He’s the biggest clown and the most intense narcissist. Lots of lessons learned!
Legal Battle Timeline and Current Status
This deposition forms part of an escalating legal confrontation that began in December 2024. Lively filed her initial complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department, alleging sexual harassment and claiming Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her.
She subsequently filed a federal lawsuit in New York against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios.
Baldoni countered with his own $400 million lawsuit targeting Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane. His claims included:
- Civil extortion
- Defamation
- Breach of contract
- Invasion of privacy
That countersuit met swift dismissal. Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled in June that Lively’s claims fell under litigation privilege protection, meaning they couldn’t be considered defamatory.
Lively’s Legal Team Responds to New Evidence
Following Tuesday’s document release, Lively’s attorney issued a statement addressing the unsealed evidence. The statement emphasized that concerns were raised early and documented thoroughly.
According to her legal team, Wayfarer recognized these issues as “sexual harassment” concerns as early as spring 2023. Despite this recognition, the company allegedly failed to investigate properly.
Instead, the attorney claimed, Wayfarer chose retaliation over resolution. The statement alleged the company attempted to “bury” Lively and others who spoke up about their experiences.
Public Support and Solidarity
When Lively’s allegations first became public in December 2024, Slate immediately voiced her support. Speaking to Today, she didn’t hesitate to stand beside her co-star and friend.
Slate described the allegations as “terribly dark” and “disturbing,” praising Lively’s courage in coming forward.
As Blake Lively’s cast mate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation. Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her… I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.
Representatives for Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and Slate have not responded to media requests for comment following the unsealing of these documents.
The legal proceedings continue as more evidence comes to light, potentially reshaping public understanding of what transpired behind the scenes of It Ends With Us.