Blake Lively recently took a break from the legal drama surrounding her and director Justin Baldoni to enjoy a fun-filled weekend at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. The actress, who has been promoting her new film Another Simple Favor, shared highlights from her time at the festival on Instagram. In a series of photos, she reunited with her co-stars, including Michele Morrone and Anna Kendrick, and director Paul Feig. Lively, 37, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a talented team and thanked her friends and family for making the weekend special. She also humorously mentioned returning to her sweatpants, signaling the end of her glamorous event. The posts captured the joy and camaraderie of the cast and crew as they celebrated the premiere of their film.
The event marked a moment of respite for Lively, who has been embroiled in a legal battle with Baldoni since last summer. The conflict began during the press tour for their film It Ends With Us, when Lively filed a complaint accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating an uncomfortable work environment. She later filed a lawsuit in December 2024, alleging that Baldoni and his team had launched a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has vehemently denied the allegations and countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million, claiming defamation and extortion. The legal dispute is set to go to trial in March 2026, with both sides presenting evidence to support their claims.
Despite the ongoing legal drama, Lively seemed in high spirits at the SXSW premiere of Another Simple Favor. She walked the red carpet in a stunning Renée Masoomian latex dress, paired with black heels and matching accessories, and was described by eyewitnesses as "happy" and "unbothered." The premiere was a celebratory event, with Lively comparing it to a "rock concert" due to the enthusiastic audience reaction. She shared her appreciation for the warm reception, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to make the film and the positive feedback from viewers. The premiere was a significant milestone for Lively, as it marked her first major film promotion since the feud with Baldoni began.
However, the event was not without drama. Some fans and media outlets noted a potential tension between Lively and her co-star Anna Kendrick. When a reporter from Entertainment Tonight asked Kendrick about working with Lively again, Kendrick responded vaguely, saying, "Oh, you know…" before quickly moving on to take selfies with fans. The exchange sparked speculation about a possible feud between the two actresses. Director Paul Feig was quick to dismiss the rumors, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that any claims of tension were unfounded. Representatives for Lively and Kendrick did not immediately comment on the situation, leaving fans to wonder if there was more to the story.
Another Simple Favor, a sequel to the 2018 film A Simple Favor, reunites Lively and Kendrick in their roles as Emily and Stephanie, respectively. The film has been a highly anticipated project, and its premiere at SXSW was a major event for both the cast and the audience. Lively’s presence at the festival was a testament to her dedication to the project and her ability to navigate the challenges of promoting the film amid her legal issues. The actress’s Instagram posts highlighted her connection with the cast and crew, showcasing the camaraderie that went into making the film.
In the midst of the legal battle with Baldoni, Lively has continued to focus on her professional commitments. Her appearance at SXSW demonstrated her resilience and determination to move forward despite the personal and professional challenges she faces. The ongoing lawsuit and countersuit have drawn significant media attention, with both sides presenting their cases publicly. Baldoni has even created a website detailing his side of the story, including a timeline of events and alleged text messages between him and Lively. The high-profile legal battle is set to unfold in court next year, with both parties preparing for a potentially lengthy and complex trial. For now, Lively has chosen to immerse herself in her work and celebrate the success of Another Simple Favor with her team and fans.
