Los Angeles, California — As the stars of “Another Simple Favor” navigate the public scrutiny surrounding their co-star Blake Lively, film director Paul Feig is stepping up to defend her amid ongoing legal tensions with Justin Baldoni, her “It Ends with Us” co-star and director.
Feig, a four-time Emmy nominee, has publicly praised Lively as an exceptional collaborator during this challenging time. He expressed frustration over misconceptions surrounding the filmmaking process, pointing out the dedication that actors like Lively bring to their roles. “When I read some of the misconceptions about how movies are made, it’s just frustrating for me. Every star I’ve worked with operates this way. The idea that a star just arrives and is handed a script is simply not accurate,” he said.
His comments come as Lively faces increasing pressure related to legal disputes. She has filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of spearheading a retaliatory campaign after she reported instances of sexual harassment and concerns related to workplace safety. The tension between the two escalated with Baldoni’s countersuit, in which he alleged defamation among other claims, targeting Lively and others—including her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds—with a hefty $400 million demand.
The legal clash has led to a barrage of accusations from both sides, prompting a trial date to be set for March 9, 2026. Throughout this, Feig has reiterated his support for Lively, emphasizing that public outrage often misdirects from more substantial issues. “Outrage is the most boring emotion we have today. Sure, it can be powerful when directed at meaningful topics, but often it’s just misplaced,” he noted. “There are far more important matters to be concerned about; we should be focusing on making the world a better place instead.”
Amid these tumultuous events, Lively reflected on her tumultuous year, acknowledging the extremes of joy and hardship she has experienced. Her resolve to speak up for her rights as a performer and advocate for safety in the industry underscores a growing movement among actors to challenge unacceptable behavior in Hollywood.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment community continues to watch closely. Feig’s vocal support for Lively serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by artists in a volatile industry where personal and professional boundaries are often blurred.