celebrity friends

Justin Baldoni receives support from Gina Rodriguez after Blake Lively settlement


The actor, best known for playing Rafael Solano on “Jane the Virgin,” shared an emotional video with his wife


HOLLYWOOD, CA - JANUARY 10:  Actors Gina Rodriguez (L) and Justin Baldoni attend the Pilot Pen and GBK Luxury Lounge honoring Golden Globe nominees and presenters held at the W Hollywood on January 10, 2015 in Hollywood, California.  (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for GBK Productions) © Tommaso Boddi
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
JULY 10, 2026 4:32 PM EDT

Justin Baldoni is receiving public support from two of his closest former co-stars after speaking out for the first time following the settlement of his lengthy legal dispute with Blake Lively.

The actor, best known for playing Rafael Solano on “Jane the Virgin,” shared an emotional video with his wife, Emily Baldoni, reflecting on the emotional toll of the past two years. 

 In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni and other defendants of sexual harassment and retaliation connected to their work on the film.© GC Images
Justin Baldoni and Emily Baldoni arrive at New York Federal Courthouse for his trial against Blake Lively on February 11, 2026 in New York City.

Shortly after the video was posted, former castmates Gina Rodriguez and Brett Dier publicly expressed their encouragement, highlighting the lasting friendships formed during the hit CW series, as reported by People.

Justin Baldoni Breaks His Silence

On July 8, Justin Baldoni and Emily Baldoni posted a heartfelt Instagram video discussing what they described as a painful and traumatic chapter in their lives. Although they did not mention Blake Lively by name, the timing came shortly after the legal dispute between the two parties officially concluded.

 Justin Baldoni arrives at New York Federal Courthouse for his trial against Blake Lively on February 11, 2026 in New York City. 
© GC Images
Justin Baldoni received heartfelt support from Gina Rodriguez and Brett Dier after breaking his silence on the Blake Lively legal settlement. Here's what happened.

The couple explained that they intentionally remained quiet throughout the legal proceedings because they wanted the justice system to take its course rather than litigate the matter publicly. 

“We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years, and it’s not because we haven’t had anything to say. Because lord knows we have, but it just felt like every time we went to make a video like this, we wanted to speak, something was telling us not to,” he continues. “It just didn’t feel like the right time, and we were talking about it and feeling into it and praying about it.”

Emily confirms, “This feels like the moment,” adding, “There’s so much to say.”

Baldoni seemed to be in good spirits© The Grosby Group
Baldoni seemed to be in good spirits

Baldoni acknowledged that the experience deeply affected his family but said he remained grateful for the people who stood beside them. “We don’t even know if this is the right thing to say,” Justin says. “We just know we need to share something. What I will say is that there have been so many painful things that have been spoken into existence over the last couple of years. That created so much noise, and we didn’t want to add to the noise. So we just wanted to let the justice system run its course.”

Gina Rodriguez Shows Her Support

Among the first celebrities to respond was Gina Rodriguez, who starred opposite Baldoni throughout all five seasons of “Jane the Virgin.” Rodriguez left a supportive message expressing love for Baldoni and his family, reinforcing the close friendship the pair have maintained since the series ended in 2019. “♥️ love you friends. Por vida,” Rodriguez wrote.

 Gina Rodriguez starred opposite Baldoni throughout all five seasons of “Jane the Virgin.”© Getty Images
Gina Rodriguez starred opposite Baldoni throughout all five seasons of “Jane the Virgin.”

Her public show of support quickly drew attention from fans, many of whom praised the enduring bond between the former castmates. Rodriguez has previously spoken warmly about Baldoni, describing him as someone she considers family, making her latest message consistent with the friendship they've displayed over the years. 

Brett Dier Also Rallies Behind His Former Co-Star

Brett Dier, who portrayed Michael Cordero Jr. on “Jane the Virgin,” also commented on Baldoni's post with words of encouragement. Like Rodriguez, Dier's public support underscored the close relationships that continue among members of the Jane the Virgin cast years after the show's finale.

What Happened Between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?

The legal conflict began in late 2024 following the release of “It Ends With Us,” in which Blake Lively starred while Justin Baldoni served as both director and co-star. Lively filed legal claims alleging misconduct during production. Baldoni denied the allegations and later filed a countersuit. Over the following months, the case became one of Hollywood's most closely followed legal disputes.

Justin Baldoni, Blake lively© Getty
The legal conflict began in late 2024 following the release of “It Ends With Us,” in which Blake Lively starred while Justin Baldoni served as both director and co-star.

In May 2026, both sides reached a settlement before trial. A joint statement emphasized a mutual commitment to promoting respectful workplaces and raising awareness around domestic violence. Subsequent court rulings addressed attorney fee issues, while the broader legal dispute officially came to a close.