At the 77th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards on February 8, Judd Apatow delivered a sharp and humorous opening monologue, taking aim at several of 2024’s major films and industry controversies. He jestingly referenced the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, quipping that for a movie to achieve significant box office success, it typically involves suing Blake Lively. This remark alluded to the ongoing legal battle stemming from their collaboration on the film It Ends With Us.
The controversy began in December 2024 when Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, alleging inappropriate behavior on the set of It Ends With Us. Baldoni has denied these allegations and, in January 2025, filed a $400 million counterclaim against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The dispute has garnered significant media attention, with both parties presenting contrasting narratives.
Apatow’s monologue also touched on other films, including Wicked and Emilia Perez, using humor to highlight industry trends and controversies. His commentary reflects the ongoing discussions and legal proceedings that have captivated both the entertainment industry and the public.