Blake Lively was heavily criticised by studio executives, legal documents reveal
Newly unsealed legal documents reveal that Blake Lively faced harsh criticism from senior executives at Sony Pictures Entertainment during the height of the It Ends With Us controversy. Internal emails show that studio leaders believed the 38-year-old actress damaged the film’s prospects by making allegations against its director and co-star, Justin Baldoni.
According to documents unsealed on January 21 and reported by People, the emails date back to August 2024 and include candid exchanges between top Sony executives. The tone is blunt and, at times, scathing.
Sanford Panitch, executive vice president and president of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, privately took aim at Lively, comparing her situation to that of Anne Hathaway, who previously weathered public backlash in her career. In one email, he wrote, “It’s quite ironic because she has a huge hit movie headed to $300M-plus.
And probably will never work again, or not for a while. Although even Hathaway recovered. Tom thinks she’s probably and bizarrely unhirable right now.” Not all executives agreed with that assessment. One studio leader attempted to push back against the bleak narrative, writing, “This will pass. She is going to be FINE.”
Panitch, however, doubled down on his stance, responding, “No. Disagree. She is done for. At least for a while. It’s cooked.” The emails also show frustration with Lively’s business decisions during the film’s rollout. Panitch reportedly criticized the timing of her haircare brand’s launch, calling it “epic-level stupid.”
He added, “She wouldn’t listen. She knows better.” Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, also emerged as one of the most vocal critics in the internal correspondence. In an email dated August 9, 2024, he wrote, “It’s all a f****** disaster. None of the who or right or wrong matters at all.
The mess is the story now, and it will define the film. No one can watch the film the same way. Tragic.” The release of these communications has prompted a response from Lively’s legal team. Bryan Freedman, her attorney, addressed the unsealed documents in a statement, saying, “As stated all along, and reflected in our clients’ motions, as well as in messages from Sony discussing Ms. Lively’s behaviors, the evidence does not support the claims as a matter of law.
A simple read of the newly released message exchanges makes the truth abundantly clear. We remain confident in the legal process and clearing the names of all of the Justin Baldoni parties.”
The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni remains ongoing. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 18, and the unsealed emails are expected to play a role in shaping public perception as the case moves forward.
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