Scarlett Johansson named in Lively, Baldoni case
What's the story
An audio recording has recently emerged, adding a new dimension to the ongoing legal battle between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The recording features Wayfarer co-founder Steve Sarowitz praising his experience working with Scarlett Johansson, which he compared to his work with Lively. The audio was submitted by Lively's legal team and is part of their case against Baldoni.
Recording details
Sarowitz's thoughts on Johansson and Lively
In the recording from filmmaker Claire Ayoub, Sarowitz spoke highly of Johansson's directorial debut Eleanor the Great. He described her as "cool, calm, collected and confident ... and nice." The billionaire also shared his thoughts on Lively, saying she was "totally different than everyone else." "Not to say anything bad about her but she's different," he added.
Legal implications
Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni
The audio recording was submitted by Lively's legal team in the context of her lawsuit against Baldoni. She has accused him of sexual harassment, breach of contract, retaliation, infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and lost wages. A trial date has been set for May 18, 2026.
Professional history
Background on the case
Sarowitz's praise for Johansson comes from their collaboration on her directorial debut Eleanor the Great. The film was released last September. Ayoub, who previously worked with Baldoni and Wayfarer on their 2024 film Empire Waist, had also submitted a declaration in September 2025 claiming she faced "repeated, negative interactions" and "verbal abuse" from Baldoni and Wayfarer.
Personal lives
Johansson and Ryan Reynolds's marriage history
Johansson was married to Ryan Reynolds from 2008 to 2011 before he went on to marry Lively in 2012. The Avengers actor has since been married twice more; first to Romain Dauriac in 2014 and then to Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost in 2020.