Justin Baldoni asks for prayers of ‘protection’ against Blake Lively

Director Justin Baldoni asks for prayers of “protection” against his “It ends with us“Co-star Blake Lively. The two sides are engaged in a bitter battle that will culminate in a trial to be held later this year unless the two sides first reach a settlement. Recent unsealed court documents revealed private text messages from Baldoni, who asked his famous friends for “protection” amid the media whirlwind.

In December 2024, the “Gossip Girl” actress filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of “It Ends With Us” and alleging that he orchestrated a smear campaign against her.

In an unsealed court document, Baldoni sent a message to a group chat saying he and colleague Jamey Heath were going to meet with Lively and other producers for a “big meeting” following his allegations of dangerous driving on set.

“This is the first time we have seen each other in person since his security allegations,” Baldoni wrote, according to Us every week. “I would appreciate any prayers for protection and strength/calm.”

In response to Baldoni’s post, “The Office” alum Rainn Wilson replied, “sitting down now for some prayers.” He later sent Baldoni a private message to find out how the director felt. Baldoni responded by saying he had experienced “one of the hardest nights” of his entire life.

“It’s hard to describe what exactly happened. The only way to describe it was an ambush. I had no words, I couldn’t form sentences. My brain was trying to defend itself when they needed me to apologize for all the ways I screwed up and made him feel unsafe,” Baldoni claimed.

He went on to claim that Lively’s husband, the “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds“talked to me like a five year old and scolded me. They basically said that Jamey and I are not who we pretended to be and that for us to have a podcast is not safe because it makes people feel like we are safe.”

Baldoni reportedly added that his remarks were taken “completely out of context” and that he was unsure how to respond to the situation.

“The words creepy and abusive were used in reference to my behavior. I was then given the words for what to say and had to apologize, which I couldn’t do because my brain was trying to process what was happening,” he continued. “I was in shock and felt like I was seven years old again when I got home last night. I was emotionally paralyzed.”

Baldoni went on to say that he was so “embarrassed” by the situation that he was “unable to even formulate the correct words to apologize” and that he felt “like a bad person.”

After a few more lengthy messages, Baldoni apologized for the “vulnerability dump” and added, “This is one of the few safe spaces I have right now. I love you all and thank you for your prayers.”

Wilson said he was “stunned” by the allegations against the director. “Oh my God. I can’t believe it. You were framed, ambushed and personally attacked. I am stunned. I completely understand that you are stunned, like a deer in headlights,” he wrote, according to court documents.

“It’s probably best if you don’t immediately start apologizing,” Wilson continued. “I’m so grateful that Jamey is your partner and can intervene diplomatically if necessary. Onward, brother. Create great, important, entertaining storytelling. That’s all you can do now. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through.”