New court documents have revealed a private email from Blake Lively to Ben Affleck, in which she asked for his help during a major conflict with her ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The email, sent in May 2024, details Lively’s difficult experience on set and her request for Affleck’s feedback on her cut of the film. However, the unsealed court filings do not include any response from Affleck, suggesting the actor may have ignored the plea for help.
The documents are part of an ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni, which includes allegations of a hostile work environment and s*xual harassment. The release of the email has sparked widespread discussion online, with many fans labeling the message as “embarrassing” and “cringe”.
The Leaked Email and Its Contents
The email was included in a trove of documents unsealed ahead of a court hearing on January 22, 2026. Although the recipient’s name was redacted, details like a mention of Affleck’s Dunkin’ commercial led to widespread belief it was meant for him.
In the message, Lively describes the making of ‘It Ends With Us’ as “the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie.” She wrote that the behind-the-scenes drama was so intense that “The making of doc of this film would be more interesting than the movie could ever be”.
Lively heavily criticized Baldoni, referring to him as the “chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center.” She claimed she had to rewrite the script and effectively direct the movie herself, adding that “he and everyone he had on the movie is in a cult”.
“I also ended up having to direct the movie via the chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center. Yes, that’s all the same person,” Lively wrote in the email.
Her “zero pressure ask” was for Affleck to watch her version of the film and give notes. She also asked if his then-wife, Jennifer Lopez, and their children would be willing to watch it, expressing her admiration for Lopez.
Did Ben Affleck Respond to the Email?
A key point in the court documents is what is not there: a response from Ben Affleck. Multiple news outlets and court papers note that no reply to Lively’s May 2024 email was filed with the other documents.
This absence has led many to conclude that Affleck chose not to answer. Us Weekly reported that they reached out to Affleck’s representative for comment but did not receive a response. However, the legal filings also note that some exhibits were filed under seal, leaving a slight possibility that a response exists but is not public.
The Larger Legal Battle Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
The email is just one piece of a major lawsuit. Lively initially filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, 2024, accusing Baldoni of s*xual harassment and retaliation. She later filed a federal civil lawsuit.
Lively’s legal team alleges that Baldoni created a hostile work environment, claiming he “kissed, nuzzled and touched” her without consent and pressured her to simulate nudity in a birth scene. Baldoni has denied all allegations. He filed a $400 million countersuit for defamation, which a judge dismissed in June 2025.
A hearing was held on January 22, 2026, where Baldoni’s lawyers asked a federal judge to throw out the case, arguing Lively’s claims were “trivial and petty grievances.” Lively’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, countered that the case is about “women feeling comfortable in their jobs and not being retaliated against”.
How Matt Damon Reacted Differently
While Affleck’s response remains unknown, the court documents show a different reaction from his longtime friend, Matt Damon. Lively mentioned in her email to Affleck that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had also reached out to Damon.
Text messages between Reynolds, Lively, and Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, were also unsealed. In them, Damon offered support. He wrote, “We’ll give you any help we can.” He even jokingly invited Lively to direct her next movie at Artists Equity, the production company he runs with Affleck, calling it “kind of like a cult but a really nice one”.
This contrast between Damon’s engaged response and Affleck’s apparent silence has become a notable point in the story.
Fan and Social Media Reactions
The leaked email quickly went viral, with many social media users and commentators calling it “embarrassing” and “cringe” for its desperate tone and detailed complaints.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, discussions exploded. Some fans expressed sympathy for Lively’s difficult situation, while others criticized her for airing private grievances in a way that could become public. The phrase “chaotic clown” trended online as people shared excerpts of the email.
The revelation also fueled further discussion about the already-public feud between Lively and Baldoni, with many noting the shocking details about cult allegations and “wild HR issues” mentioned in the correspondence.
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What Happens Next?
The legal case is moving toward a trial. The lawsuit is currently proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. A trial date has been set for May 18, 2026.
The unsealed documents, including the email to Affleck, text messages with Taylor Swift, and communications with Matt Damon, are expected to play a role in the proceedings. Both sides are preparing their arguments, with Baldoni’s team seeking dismissal and Lively’s team pushing for the case to be heard by a jury.
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