Blake Lively has reportedly expressed criticism towards her former show ‘Gossip Girl’ in a series of private text messages from 2024, which were recently released as part of the ongoing legal drama surrounding the film ‘It Ends With Us.’ The texts, obtained by Us Weekly and reported by outlets such as PageSix and Yahoo, reveal Lively’s frustrations with the restrictive nature of TV production and her advice to co-star Brandon Skelnar, adding another layer to her public feud with Justin Baldoni.
In the messages, dated from May to August 2024, Lively and Skelnar discussed the post-production schedule and promotional plans for ‘It Ends With Us,’ which was released on August 9, 2024. Lively, 38, urged Skelnar, 35, to ensure he could take time off from filming the second season of ‘1923,’ a popular ‘Yellowstone’ prequel, to support the film’s release. She highlighted that the second week after release would be crucial for building momentum.
Reflecting on her own career, Lively shared negative experiences from her time on ‘Gossip Girl,’ where she played Serena van der Woodsen from 2007 to 2012. She wrote that the production team was ‘s—ty’ about allowing her to pursue other opportunities, and she now sees how she could have advocated better for herself. She added that such environments make actors feel indebted but ultimately foster resentment.
Lively elaborated, stating that production teams often ‘feel like you owe them, so they tend to attempt to dim your light so you don’t outgrow them.’ This, she argued, has the opposite effect, making actors want to leave. Her candid advice to Skelnar was to push for the flexibility needed to balance multiple projects successfully.
Skelnar responded with his own challenges, noting that ‘1923’ had expanded from 8 to 15 episodes unexpectedly, straining his schedule. He expressed frustration, saying, ‘No more shows after this,’ indicating a weariness with long-term TV commitments. Despite this, he confirmed he could promote ‘It Ends With Us’ for three days in Texas, to which Lively offered to accompany him with her child.
The text release is the latest in the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni, which began in December 2024 when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, but it was dismissed in June 2025.
Other celebrities have been implicated in the feud. Jameela Jamil, in 2024 texts obtained by the Daily Mail, called Lively a ‘suicide bomber’ and a ‘villain.’ Additionally, texts between Lively and Taylor Swift showed Swift criticizing Baldoni, though sources say Swift has since distanced herself from Lively. These revelations paint a complex picture of Hollywood relationships amid legal strife.
The lawsuit is set for trial on May 18, 2026, and could have significant implications for both parties’ careers. As the case progresses, it may bring more private communications to light, continuing to fuel media speculation and public interest in the personal and professional conflicts within the entertainment industry.
