Newly unsealed emails reveal that Justin Baldoni, the director and star of "It Ends With Us," was labeled a "moron" by a Sony Pictures Entertainment marketing executive following an interview he gave during the film's promotion. The film, which was released on August 9, 2024, stars Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Brandon Sklenar.

The email, allegedly sent by Danni Maggin, a senior marketing executive at Sony, on August 5, 2024, expressed the marketing team's disapproval of Baldoni's remarks in an interview with The Dallas Morning News. Maggin wrote that Baldoni was "basically alluding to 'raping' Atlas out of Lily". She added, "We cut the tape, but he is a moron". Maggin also referenced Josh Greenstein, then-president of Sony Pictures' Motion Group, who allegedly suggested that Baldoni "shouldn't do any more press".

The controversy stems from Baldoni's comments regarding a scene in "It Ends With Us" where his character, Ryle, physically assaults Lily, played by Lively. Baldoni reportedly said the scene was about "Ryle feeling like he had lost all power and feeling so insecure and jealous that the only way in his mind that he could show her how much he loved her was um and I won't say the word that we used in developing it, but what was essentially to force any love she had for Atlas out of her".

The unsealed emails are part of the ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni. The production of "It Ends With Us" has been plagued by disputes and litigation between the two stars, including allegations of a hostile work environment and a smear campaign. Lively filed a complaint in December 2024, alleging that Baldoni created a hostile workplace through inappropriate comments. Baldoni has denied these claims and has also taken legal action, suing The New York Times for defamation.

Other unsealed emails have revealed further criticisms from Sony executives regarding Lively. Andrea Giannetti, executive vice president of production and senior creative at Sony Pictures, admitted in her deposition that she called Lively a "f---ing terrorist". Sanford Panitch, president of Sony's Motion Picture Group, also wrote "she is a terroridt [sic]" when discussing Lively working on her own edit of "It Ends With Us". Panitch also criticized the timing of Lively's haircare brand launch, calling it "epic-level stupid".

The controversy surrounding "It Ends With Us" extends beyond the executive emails. During the film's press tour, Lively's lighthearted attitude toward the story's themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse drew criticism. There were also reports of conflict within the cast, with Baldoni's role in the film's promotion appearing diminished. In April 2025, Talia Spencer, a storyboard artist for "It Ends With Us," defended Baldoni, alleging that Lively tried to take control of the film.

Baldoni's legal team has stated that the evidence does not support Lively's claims and that they are confident in clearing Baldoni's name. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18.