The actor and director reflects on a prolonged legal dispute as both sides continue post-settlement proceedings.
Justin Baldoni has spoken publicly for the first time about his legal dispute with Blake Lively, describing the experience as marked by "injustice and pain" after the pair reached a settlement that avoided a civil trial.
In a nearly five-minute Instagram video recorded alongside his wife, Emily Baldoni, the actor and director said the couple had remained silent throughout much of the legal battle because "it just didn't feel like the right time."
The dispute, which stemmed from events surrounding the film It Ends With Us, concluded in May when the remaining claims were settled.
Lively has since sought more than $8 million in legal fees, with Baldoni facing a deadline of 13 July to challenge the request or pay the amount.
The legal conflict included allegations and counter-allegations between the two sides before a judge dismissed several claims brought by both parties.
The remaining allegations, including breach of contract and retaliation, were resolved through a settlement less than two weeks before the scheduled civil trial in New York.
Lively previously said filing the lawsuit was the "last thing" she wanted and stated she brought the case because of the retaliation she said she experienced after seeking a safe working environment.
Representatives for Lively were contacted for comment following Baldoni's remarks.
In the video, Baldoni said, "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."
He said the experience reinforced the importance of family, friends and faith, adding that "Gratitude has saved us."
Emily Baldoni described the legal process as traumatic for their family and said the resolution made it the appropriate time to speak publicly.
She also said the couple intends to share more about their experience in the future but will first focus on healing and spending time with their children.
Justin Baldoni thanked supporters who stood by the family throughout the legal proceedings, saying their support helped when they felt they did not have a public voice.