As the intense public focus on the 2022 Hollywood defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard begins to fade, few expected that the 2024 blockbuster It Ends With Us, centered on domestic violence and abuse, would spark a fresh controversy. By the end of the year, a heated dispute involving the film’s stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, had taken center stage. S–ual harassment accusations and a defamation lawsuit between the co-stars fueled the drama, also involving Lively’s husband, Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist.
In December 2024, Lively made headlines by filing a federal lawsuit against co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging that he had fostered a hostile work environment. Baldoni, who also directed the film, was accused of damaging Lively’s reputation by orchestrating a smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni countered that Lively and her team were attempting to seize control of the film’s creative direction and its potential franchise. The lawsuit quickly gained traction, becoming a major topic of discussion, particularly during a Joe Rogan Experience episode featuring former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub.
“You’ve following the Justin Baldoni–Blake Lively thing?” Joe Rogan asked, to which Brendan Schaub nodded in acknowledgment. Rogan responded, “They f—-d up. Ryan’s trying to get out of it now. He’s trying to get out of the lawsuit, and they’re like, ‘You are a key part of this.’” Brendan Schaub, showing his anger, accused Blake Lively of ruining Baldoni’s career, to which Rogan replied, “Because they were trying to take over the movie. They were trying to take over the movie and the whole franchise. He owned the franchise. They’re f—-d. The whole thing’s crazy.”
MMA: UFC 249, May 9, 2020 Jacksonville, Florida, USA UFC commentator Joe Rogan in attendance before UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports, 09.05.2020 18:40:04, 14296442, NPStrans, UFC, UFC 249, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Joe Rogan, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJasenxVinlovex 14296442
However, Baldoni’s legal battle doesn’t stop there. In addition to suing Lively and Reynolds, he also filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the group of publishing an “unverified, and self-serving narrative.” Given the high stakes, Joe Rogan believes Baldoni has a “great case,” especially now that the trial is officially set for March 2026. With that said, shifting gears to another controversy, the podcaster has never been one to hold back his criticism of Hollywood. Up next, let’s take a look at his thoughts on the latest antics at the Oscars.
Joe Rogan criticizes the Hollywood elites for tarnishing the Oscars
Earlier this month, the world tuned in for the 97th Academy Awards, but what was once an event to celebrate cinematic achievements has now become a stage for political statements. UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan is among those who have taken issue with this shift. Celebrities, it seems, can’t resist using the spotlight to make political statements—such as Guy Pearce wearing a “Free Palestine” pin and Daryl Hannah showing support for Ukraine.
Both gestures turned heads and disrupted the flow of the event. While Pearce defended his actions, saying, “It’s the least we can do,” Joe Rogan is not on board with such politicized moments. During episode #2286 of The Joe Rogan Experience, the podcaster vented his frustration with Hollywood’s politicization of award shows. Speaking with former NFL player Antonio Brown, Rogan bluntly stated, “F–k all these other award shows. I didn’t watch the Oscars.”
He explained that he no longer bothers to check what is going on with the Oscars, criticizing movie stars for veering off into political territory during their speeches. “I know they’re talking about Ukraine, Gaza, and Palestine. You’re making movies—just make your fu—-g movies!” Joe Rogan fired back. “This is what we did: we worked real hard, thank you, everybody, for your hard work. Yay, we won. That’s it. That’s all I want to hear from you.”
What’s your take on Joe Rogan’s stance on the Justin Baldoni-Blake Lively controversy? Do you agree with his perspective on the $400 million lawsuit? Share your thoughts below.
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