Studio Exec Slams Justin Baldoni for 'Rape' Comments in 'It Ends With Us' Interview

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A Sony Pictures Entertainment senior marketing executive allegedly sent an email in August 2024 calling actor and director Justin Baldoni a 'moron' for alluding to rape in an interview about his film 'It Ends With Us', which centers on themes of domestic violence. The exec claimed Baldoni 'basically alluded to 'raping' Atlas out of Lily' when discussing a scene where his character physically assaults the character played by Blake Lively. The studio reportedly instructed the cast to avoid discussing the heavy subject matter and focus more on the film's themes of hope and resilience, but Baldoni argued he never agreed to those guidelines.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the tensions that can arise between filmmakers who want to authentically address difficult social issues and studios that may prefer a more sanitized promotional approach. It also speaks to the challenges of navigating sensitive topics like sexual assault and domestic violence in the entertainment industry.

The details

According to the unsealed court documents, Sony Pictures Entertainment senior marketing executive Danni Maggin sent an email on August 5, 2024 criticizing Baldoni for his comments in an interview with the Dallas Morning News. Maggin claimed Baldoni 'basically alluded to 'raping' Atlas out of Lily' when discussing a scene where his character physically assaults Lively's character. Maggin wrote 'We cut the tape but he is a moron' and said then-Sony Pictures Motion Group president Josh Greenstein felt Baldoni 'shouldn't do any more press' for the film.

• The email from Maggin was sent on August 5, 2024.
• The film 'It Ends With Us' was released in 2024.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The legal battle between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds is still ongoing, with Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment unresolved.