Internal emails from Sony Pictures, revealed through unsealed court documents, expose private criticisms of Blake Lively by senior executives during the controversy surroundingIt Ends With Us, even as the studio publicly expressed support for the actor.

Sanford Panitch, president of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, questioned Lively’s Hollywood future, stating that despite the film nearing $300 million at the global box office, she “probably will never work again, or not for a while.” Other executives echoed concerns, with Panitch blaming Lively’s actions and calling the situation “cooked.” He also criticised the timing of Lively’s haircare brand launch,Blake Brown, coinciding with the film controversy, terming it “epic-level stupid.”

Sony chairman Tom Rothman described the situation internally as “a fing disaster,” noting that public perception now focused on the controversy rather than the film itself. Despite this, Sony maintained a supportive public stance, celebrating the film’s $350 million box office performance. Executive Andrea Giannetti praised Lively’s work, calling it “incredible,” though emails and texts revealed private frustration, including referring to Lively as a “fing terrorist” during peak tensions.

Lively claims the controversy caused over $56 million in lost acting income and $71 million in lost business revenue, impacting her professional reputation and ventures. The trial addressing these claims is set to begin on May 18, 2026, with Sony and Justin Baldoni’s representatives confident in defending their actions.