Justin Baldoni has spoken publicly for the first time about his lengthy legal dispute with his It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively, releasing a five-minute Instagram video recorded with his wife, Emily. In it he described the "injustice and pain" the couple say they endured during the year-long battle, framing the experience as a source of family trauma while thanking supporters and crediting faith and gratitude with helping them through. The statement marks a notable shift after a prolonged public silence and signals that the couple intend to say more in future.

The legal fight, which lasted around a year and a half, ended on 4 May when both parties agreed to settle Lively's lawsuit alleging breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation, avoiding a trial. In late June, Lively filed to recover more than $8m in legal fees from Baldoni and his studio, and Baldoni has until 13 July to either challenge the claim or pay it. Emily Baldoni questioned how the situation had arisen "disguised as a fight for women", and said the couple would continue sharing their side while focusing on healing and family time; the Guardian has approached Lively's representative for comment.