Private text messages from actress Jameela Jamil have been made public, revealing harsh criticism of fellow star Blake Lively. The messages, which call Lively a “suicide bomber” and a “villain,” were part of court documents unsealed in the ongoing legal battle between Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. Jamil has since responded on social media, defending her feminist views while the online world reacts to the leaked conversation.
What the Leaked Texts Reveal
The private exchange happened in August 2024 between Jamil and Justin Baldoni’s publicist, Jennifer Abel. The two were discussing a TikTok video that criticized Blake Lively’s approach to promoting the film It Ends With Us, which deals with domestic violence. In the texts, Abel used strong language about Lively, to which Jamil agreed.
“She’s a suicide bomber at this point,” Jamil wrote in response.
“I’ve never seen such a bizarre villain act before.”
The conversation continued as they discussed Lively sharing a link to a domestic violence hotline during the film’s press tour. Jamil called the post “so cold” and suggested it was a calculated move. The messages were filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as part of the evidence in Lively’s lawsuit.
Jameela Jamil’s Instagram Defense
After the texts became public, Jamil addressed the growing criticism on her Instagram Stories on Thursday, January 22, 2026. In a video, she explained her stance on feminism without directly mentioning Lively or the lawsuit.
“Guys, feminism means fighting for the political, social and economic equity for women. Just gender equity,” Jamil said. “It does not mean you have to like every single woman. It doesn’t mean you have to be friends with every single woman. It means you can actually beef with other women. You can criticize them.”
She emphasized that supporting women’s rights does not require personal agreement with every woman, stating, “That’s all feminism is. It’s a moral and political stance.” The video has since been deleted, but its message sparked further discussion about the line between personal opinion and public feminist advocacy.
The Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Lawsuit Explained
The leaked texts are a small part of a much larger legal conflict. Blake Lively first filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. She followed with a federal civil lawsuit on December 31, 2024.
Lively’s lawsuit alleges that Baldoni created a hostile work environment on the set of It Ends With Us, which he directed and starred in alongside her. The suit details incidents of unwanted physical contact and claims Baldoni launched a smear campaign against her after she spoke out.
Baldoni has denied all allegations. He filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, which a federal judge later dismissed. The core lawsuit is moving forward, with a trial currently scheduled for May 18, 2026.
Online Reactions to the Texts
The release of the texts led to immediate backlash online, with many fans and commentators accusing Jamil of hypocrisy. Given her public image as a vocal feminist, the use of terms like “suicide bomber” to describe a woman involved in a sexual harassment case struck many as deeply contradictory.
On social media platform X, critics labeled Jamil a “fake feminist,” arguing that her private words undermined her public advocacy. The phrase “suicide bomber” was particularly criticized for framing Lively as self-destructive rather than a plaintiff in a serious legal claim.
Some users expressed disappointment, feeling that Jamil was engaging in the same kind of victim-blaming she often condemns. Others pointed out that the texts were sent in August 2024, before Lively’s lawsuit was public, suggesting Jamil may have been reacting to limited information.
Also Read:
Trial Timeline and Ongoing Case
The legal process continues to move forward. Recently, Baldoni’s lawyers asked a federal judge to dismiss Lively’s entire lawsuit, arguing her claims were “trivial and petty grievances.” A hearing on this motion was held on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Judge Lewis Liman, who is presiding over the case, has not yet ruled on the dismissal request. The judge noted that agreeing to act in a romantic film “does not mean you subject yourself to sexual harassment.”
The unsealed documents, which include not only Jamil’s texts but also private messages between Lively and Taylor Swift, are now part of the court record. All parties are preparing for the trial, which is set for May 2026. The case continues to draw significant public attention, highlighting issues of workplace conduct and the complex dynamics of Hollywood relationships.
Also Read: Tell Me Lies Season 3 Episode 4 Recap: Diana Confronts Stephen and a Major Secret Is Revealed
Want more updates on your favorite stars and the stories behind the headlines? Keep checking VvipTimes for the latest in entertainment news.
