In a developing situation involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, new audio evidence has emerged that raises questions about the allegations made against Baldoni. Claire Ayoub, a filmmaker associated with Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer, recorded a conversation that is now central to the controversy.
Background of the Allegations
Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer. In the lawsuit, Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment during the production of their film, “It Ends With Us.” She claims he led a smear campaign against her, which Baldoni has publicly denied.
Claire Ayoub’s Involvement
Claire Ayoub, who directed the movie “Empire Waist” produced by Wayfarer, has come forward with her own grievances. In a September 2025 declaration, she mentioned facing “repeated, negative interactions” and “verbal abuse” from Baldoni. This prompted her to record the phone call with Steve Sarowitz, Wayfarer’s co-founder.
Contents of the Recording
The recording reveals Sarowitz dismissing Lively’s allegations as “made up” and “manufactured” against Baldoni. He referred to the situation as an intentional attempt to ruin Baldoni’s reputation. Sarowitz stated, “Justin never has a bad set,” but admitted that the set of “It Ends With Us” was particularly challenging.
Concerns Raised
Sarowitz expressed frustration over the ongoing legal battle, remarking, “There will be 2 dead bodies when I’m done, minimum.” He clarified that this meant individuals would be “dead to me.” He also indicated a willingness to invest significant resources to protect the studio’s interests.
Industry Reactions
- Baldoni’s representatives declined to comment on the matter.
- Efforts to reach Lively’s team for a response have not yielded any updates.
As the situation unfolds, the conflicting narratives from both sides highlight the complexities of working relationships in the film industry. With differing accounts and serious allegations, the outcome remains to be seen. The impact of this saga, particularly regarding the reputation of the individuals and the production company involved, is significant.
