15-05-2025
Justin Baldoni Makes a Move Amid Blake Lively Legal Battle
Justin Baldoni has decided to shut down his Wayfarer Foundation.
The news was announced on May 3 with a lengthy Instagram post. Followers didn't hear the update from Baldoni though, it was founder Steve Sarowitz who revealed it instead.
'Over the past four years, Wayfarer Foundation has supported dozens of grantee partners in fulfilling their missions,' Sarowitz wrote in the caption about the charitable organization founded in 2016. 'I am so incredibly proud of the impact this organization has made and deeply grateful for our staff, board, donors, and partners.'
He noted that the "unanimous decision" was made by "the board of directors" and that they are beginning the "process of sunsetting the Foundation." Sarowitz added, "We will honor all of our current grant commitments as we carefully wind down operations over the next several weeks. 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."
"We understand that this news may come as a surprise, and we will be actively working over the next several weeks to ensure all matters are concluded with care and attention," the message concluded.
There was no reason given for the shutdown, but the closure happened amid Baldoni's lengthy legal battle with former It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively. Sarowitz was also named in her lawsuit when she claimed he told an unnamed person at the film's August 2024 premiere that he was "prepared to spend $100 million to ruin the lives of Ms. Lively and her family.'
Baldoni has denied all sexual harassment allegations. The director is suing Lively, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million, citing "civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy."
Baldoni and Lively are scheduled for trial on March 9, 2026.
