Justin Baldoni's foundation closes amid Blake Lively legal battle
(NewsNation) — As legal battles continue between 'It Ends With Us' costars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, Baldoni's foundation, Wayfarer Foundation, is closing.
Baldoni, who owns the foundation with producing partner Steve Sarowitz, is closing Wayfarere Studios.
In a statement on Instagram, Sarowitz said, 'Upon unanimous decision of the board of directors, today (May 2) we will begin the process of sunsetting the Foundation. We will honor all of our current grant commitments as we carefully wind down operations over the next several weeks.'
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He also said, 'Although the Wayfarer Foundation is closing, my personal commitment to giving remains strong, and I'm dedicated to making an impact on society through the ongoing mission and work… I am so incredibly proud of the impact this organization has made and deeply grateful for our staff, board, donors and partners.'
Justin Baldoni on board of Wayfarer Foundation since 2016
Baldoni has been on the foundation as a board member since 2016, when it launched. According to E! News, the foundation has teamed up with Skid Row Carnival of Love in the past, which is a humanitarian venture that Baldoni started. This group gives donations and resources to those who are unhoused in Downtown L.A.
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'We have too many people who are isolated and being left behind by society. But what's been so amazing is finding that there are so many people in our cities who sincerely want to connect and give back,' Baldoni told The Hollywood Reporter.
Justin Baldoni currently being sued by Blake Lively
This comes as Baldoni is being sued by former co-star Lively for alleged sexual harassment. In February, one insider told NewsNation that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, 'have no idea what's coming down the pike.'
Baldoni has also filed a suit, claiming he had to deal with being defamed and extortion attempts. Baldoni also filed a libel suit against the New York Times, but that was paused in March.
Justin Baldoni at the 'It Ends With Us' New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images)
FILE – Justin Baldoni attends the world premiere of 'It Ends with Us' at AMC Lincoln Square on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
This combination of images shows Blake Lively at the London screening of the film 'It 'Ends With Us' on Aug. 8, 2024, left, and Justin Baldoni at the world premiere of the film in New York on Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo)
: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of 'It Ends with Us' on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
JERSEY CITY, NJ – JANUARY 12: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of 'It Ends with Us' on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
This image released by Sony Pictures shows Justin Baldoni, left, and Blake Lively in a scene from 'It Ends With Us.' (Nicole Rivelli/Sony Pictures via AP)
Since the feud started, Lively's popularity has gone down. But, as NewsNation's Paula Froelich reported, Lively did rekindle her friendship with Taylor Swift.
A trial date for the Lively suit against Baldoni has been scheduled for March 2026.
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