Jenny Slate fires back at Justin Baldoni: “I don’t want to do anything with him” – Leaked texts
Lead paragraph
In a bombshell that has sent Hollywood abuzz, actress Jenny Slate has released a trove of text messages in which she slams director and actor Justin Baldoni, calling him a “narcissist” and a “clown.” The messages, which surfaced after a court deposition, reveal Slate’s frustration with the production of the film It Ends With Us and her insistence that she should not be paired with Baldoni or co‑star Jamey Heath during promotional activities. The controversy has reignited discussions about on‑set conduct and the power dynamics that shape the entertainment industry.
Background/Context
Jenny Slate, known for her roles in Venom and the comedy series People of Earth, had previously hinted at a tense working relationship with Baldoni during a 2024 interview. However, the leaked texts provide concrete evidence of her grievances, offering a rare glimpse into the behind‑the‑scenes atmosphere of a high‑profile film. Justin Baldoni, who directed It Ends With Us and starred in the 2025 drama Love & Lies, has built a reputation for his “male feminist” approach, a stance that has both supporters and critics.
These revelations come at a time when the industry is under increased scrutiny for workplace harassment and misconduct. The #MeToo movement has paved the way for more open conversations about power imbalances, and the leaked texts add another layer to the ongoing debate.
Key Developments
According to the transcripts, Slate’s messages to her former agent and the film’s promotional team are stark and unambiguous:
- “I don’t want to do anything with Justin, I don’t want to talk about him, like…nothing.” Slate explicitly requests that she be excluded from any promotional pairing with Baldoni or Heath.
- She describes the shoot as “a really gross and disturbing shoot,” adding that Baldoni’s behavior was “unprofessional” and that he “tells weird lies.”
- Slate labels Baldoni a “narcissist” and a “clown,” stating, “He’s the biggest clown and the most intense narcissist.”
- She hints at a broader impact on co‑stars, noting that “Blake is experiencing that on a much more serious level,” referencing actress Blake Lively’s own public statements about the production.
These texts were read aloud during a deposition on September 26, 2025, and have now been made public by TMZ. The court documents also reveal that Slate’s agent had previously warned the production team about potential conflicts, but the messages suggest that her concerns were not adequately addressed.
Impact Analysis
For industry insiders, the leaked texts underscore the growing demand for transparency and accountability on set. The fallout could influence several key areas:
- Contractual Clauses: Production companies may revisit clauses that allow actors to refuse promotional activities with certain co‑stars, especially when prior complaints exist.
- Talent Management: Agents and managers are likely to adopt stricter vetting processes, ensuring that clients are not placed in potentially hostile environments.
- Public Perception: Fans and critics may reassess their support for projects involving the implicated parties, potentially affecting box‑office performance.
- Legal Precedents: The case could set a precedent for how allegations of unprofessional conduct are handled in court, influencing future litigation.
Students studying film production or entertainment law will find this case a valuable case study on the intersection of creative collaboration and workplace ethics. It highlights the importance of clear communication, documented agreements, and the role of legal counsel in safeguarding artists’ rights.
Expert Insights/Tips
Industry experts advise several practical steps for actors, directors, and production teams to mitigate similar conflicts:
- Clear On‑Set Policies: Establish written guidelines that define acceptable behavior and outline consequences for violations.
- Open Communication Channels: Create anonymous reporting mechanisms so that crew and cast can voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Pre‑Production Vetting: Conduct background checks on key personnel, including reviewing past complaints or legal disputes.
- Contractual Safeguards: Include clauses that allow actors to opt out of promotional activities if they feel uncomfortable working with certain individuals.
- Professional Mediation: Engage third‑party mediators early in disputes to facilitate resolution before they spiral into public controversies.
For students, these insights translate into actionable skills: drafting robust contracts, mastering conflict resolution techniques, and understanding the legal frameworks that govern entertainment work.
Looking Ahead
As the legal proceedings continue, several outcomes remain possible:
- Settlement: The parties may reach a confidential settlement that includes a public apology or a revised promotional strategy.
- Court Ruling: A verdict could mandate changes in the production’s internal policies or impose penalties on the director.
- Industry Reform: The case may spur broader reforms, such as mandatory harassment training for all on‑set personnel.
- Career Trajectories: Both Slate and Baldoni may experience shifts in their professional trajectories, influencing future casting decisions.
Regardless of the outcome, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for the entertainment sector. It reminds stakeholders that the creative process is not immune to power struggles and that safeguarding the well‑being of all participants is paramount.
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