Unsealed 2023 Voice Memo from Blake Lively to Justin Baldoni Reveals Postpartum Struggles and Filming Schedule Concerns Amid Ongoing Lawsuit

A four-minute voice memo sent by Blake Lively to Justin Baldoni on February 8, 2023, has been unsealed and made public as part of their continuing legal dispute, which stems from Lively’s December 2024 lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation—claims Baldoni has denied. In the candid recording, sent weeks before principal photography began on the film It Ends With Us, Lively addresses Baldoni warmly but with caution, emphasizing that the message is premature and meant to stay private. She confides in him as a trusted colleague and friend, mentioning her recent conversation with husband Ryan Reynolds, who encouraged her to share openly due to their good rapport. Lively describes feeling overwhelmed returning to work shortly after giving birth to her fourth child, lacking a baby nurse, dealing with sleep deprivation, and facing pressure to regain physical shape while preparing for the role. She expresses panic over the tight March/April filming start date, suggesting a potential push to September as a ‘crazy idea’ driven by selfish but honest personal reasons, while acknowledging the fixed schedule isn’t hers to alter. She also highlights emotional strain from the prospect of being apart from her family for an extended period, noting that she and Reynolds have never been separated for more than two weeks. Throughout, Lively reassures that everything is positive and stresses confidentiality, ending with self-deprecating humor about her limited social interactions being voice memos. The memo’s release adds context to their early professional relationship before tensions escalated, with the trial set for May 18, 2026.