After maintaining silence for nearly two years, actor-filmmaker Justin Baldoni has publicly addressed his legal dispute with actor Blake Lively, saying he and his family chose to stay away from the spotlight until they felt "it was the right time" to speak.

In a video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, Baldoni appeared alongside his wife, Emily, and reflected on the emotional toll of the controversy that followed the release of It Ends with Us (2024), in which he served as both director and co-star opposite Lively.

"We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years," Baldoni said, explaining that it was not because they had nothing to say. Instead, he said they repeatedly felt it was better to wait rather than respond publicly, adding that they had spent that period reflecting and praying before deciding to share their thoughts.

Emily Baldoni said it had been difficult to determine what was appropriate to say given the circumstances. While acknowledging there was "so much to say" about the dispute, she said the couple instead wanted to express gratitude for the support they had received over the past two years. Echoing that sentiment, Justin said, "Gratitude has saved us."

The couple said they had initially decided to let the legal process take its course instead of adding to the public discourse. Justin remarked that "there have been so many painful things spoken into existence", while Emily maintained that the facts had ultimately "spoken for themselves".

Baldoni also thanked supporters who stood by him throughout the prolonged legal battle, saying their encouragement and faith had helped his family navigate one of the most difficult periods of their lives. The dispute dates back to December 2024, when Lively accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her during the making of It Ends with Us and alleged that he had orchestrated an online campaign to damage her reputation.

Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, subsequently filed a $400 million defamation suit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, arguing that the allegations were fabricated to wrest creative control of the film. However, the lawsuit was later dismissed after a court ruled that Lively's claims were protected under litigation privilege.

Ahead of the trial, Lively withdrew her lawsuit and reached a settlement with Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. Although the settlement did not involve any financial compensation, Lively has since sought $7.5 million towards legal fees from Baldoni and the studio.