Justin Baldoni‘s close friend Adam Mondschein offers insight into the actor’s thoughts following the settlement of his It Ends With Us legal dispute with Blake Lively before it went to trial.
“He feels a sense of relief as a friend, yet he still seeks prayers, love, and support for the upcoming phase,” Mondschein, 50, told Us Weekly exclusively on Thursday, May 7. “The relief is evident. The support from the community, strangers, and globally is wonderful.”
Mondschein noted that Baldoni was “literally recovering from a cold” this week, adding, “The emotional toll on the family has been significant. It’s been an overwhelming experience.”
News broke on Monday, May 4, that Lively, 38, and Baldoni, 42, had reached a settlement in their intense It Ends With Us lawsuit, initially filed in December 2024.
“The final product — the movie It Ends With Us — is a source of pride for everyone involved in its creation. Our aim to raise awareness and make a meaningful impact on the lives of survivors of domestic violence — and all survivors — is something we fully support,” stated lawyers for both parties in a statement to Us. “We recognize that the process presented challenges and that the concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be addressed.”
The statement further noted, “We are committed to maintaining workplaces that are free from improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this settlement provides closure and allows all parties to move forward constructively and peacefully, including fostering a respectful environment online.”
While the settlement avoids a trial in New York City, Lively filed a notice of settlement on Thursday, seeking damages to cover her legal fees and costs, as well as compensatory and punitive damages.
“I think they’re waiting for the right moment to truly celebrate. But there’s no doubt that this is a victory,” Mondschein conveyed to Us about the settlement. “They’re relieved and looking forward to the day when they can genuinely celebrate, but since it’s not completely over for them, we can celebrate a bit on their behalf. … We’ll all be glad when this is no longer a topic of general conversation.”
Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively Sony Pictures Releasing /Courtesy Everett Collection
“They have endured this for so long in their hearts,” Mondschein added. “I believe there’s an emotional cost to this on a personal level.”
The settlement between Baldoni and Lively emerged as both parties were seemingly preparing for their anticipated trial, with jury selection scheduled to commence on Monday, May 18.
Mondschein indicated that Baldoni was not apprehensive about the possibility of going to trial.
“He was never going to give up,” Mondschein asserted. “They were eager to present their case in court at some point, but seeing the strain it put on his children and wife, and having to remain steadfast, was exhausting. He is not a quitter, I assure you that.”
Blake Lively recounted a conversation involving Ryan Reynolds and Justin Baldoni in a deposition disclosed ahead of the It Ends With Us settlement. Lively recalled in her January deposition that Baldoni visited her office to discuss script revisions in April 2023, at which time she mentioned being “aware” of an “upsetting” […]
Before facing legal issues with his It Ends With Us co-star, Baldoni was recognized for his success in Hollywood with roles in series such as Jane the Virgin, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Everwood.
When asked if Baldoni might return to acting on the big or small screen, Mondschein expressed optimism about such opportunities arising in the near future.
“I feel like he needs time to heal,” Mondschein said. “For him to consider investing his heart in another project, he’ll need time to feel truly safe as an artist.”
