A recent audio recording has emerged in the ongoing saga between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, shedding light on the allegations of inappropriate behavior made by Lively against Baldoni. This recording features Claire Ayoub, a filmmaker who wrote and directed the film Empire Waist, which was produced by Baldoni's company, Wayfarer. During a secretly recorded phone conversation with billionaire co-founder of Wayfarer, Steve Sarowitz, Ayoub reveals her experiences working with Baldoni and the negative interactions that prompted her to document the phone call.
In a declaration from September 2025, Claire Ayoub detailed the repeated instances of what she described as verbal abuse and negative interactions with Baldoni while collaborating on Empire Waist. Her decision to record the call with Sarowitz stemmed from her concerns regarding Baldoni's behavior on set. The audio, which has been submitted by Lively's legal team, features Sarowitz categorically dismissing Lively's allegations, suggesting they were fabricated to undermine Baldoni's reputation.
During the recorded conversation, Sarowitz vehemently claimed that the allegations against Baldoni were orchestrated to take him down, particularly referencing the tumultuous production of It Ends With Us. He remarked that Justin has always maintained a positive atmosphere on set, calling the environment during this particular film the worst he had ever experienced. Despite acknowledging the bad buzz surrounding Baldoni, Sarowitz attempted to minimize the severity of the situation.
As the conversation progressed, Sarowitz expressed his frustrations about the ongoing legal battle between Baldoni and Lively. He ominously stated, "There will be 2 dead bodies when I'm done, minimum. Not dead, but dead to me -- that kind of dead." This statement highlighted the intensity of the situation, as he expressed his commitment to protecting the studio's interests, indicating he was prepared to invest significant resources to do so.
Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer, alleging that Baldoni engaged in sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us. Furthermore, she claims that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her, allegations that Baldoni has firmly denied. The legal dispute has garnered significant media attention, raising questions about workplace conduct in the film industry.
For her part, Claire Ayoub has voiced her concerns regarding Baldoni's involvement in marketing initiatives for Empire Waist. She stated that her experiences with him were troubling enough that she explicitly requested he not be part of any promotional efforts for the film. Ayoub's apprehension extended to her fear that Sarowitz might pressure her about Baldoni's role in the project, which prompted her to take the precaution of recording their conversation.
This audio recording serves as a pivotal piece of evidence in the contentious legal battle between Baldoni and Lively, illustrating the complexities of personal relationships and professional conduct within the entertainment industry. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these revelations will impact both parties involved.
