Blake Lively Hits ‘Another Simple Favor’ SXSW Premiere Amid Justin Baldoni Drama

Despite her legal drama with “It Ends with Us” co-star Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively was all smiles for the SXSW premiere of her new movie “Another Simple Favor” on Friday night.

Lively was seen signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans before stepping onto the red carpet. 

Blake opted for a strapless latex Renee Mansoomian dress in a blush pink with black accents for the occasion. She initially had a short-sleeved and collared outer layer over the dress, which she removed in a quick-change moment.

Lively traveled to Austin, Texas, to join director Paul Feig and her co-stars including Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding and Michele Morrone. Upon arriving at the event, she spent time posing for pics and signing autographs with fans.

Inside the premiere at the Paramount Theatre, Blake spoke in public for the first time since her legal battle with Baldoni began in December.

“I love this character so much. It’s probably my favorite character I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play,” she said onstage. “So when Paul asked us to come back, I was so excited."

In a video posted by Variety, Lively said she was initially reluctant to shoot the movie in Capri due to the expense, but she was eventually won over, marveling, "Now, I wanna live there. I love it so much. They serve you ice cream in lemons! It's just magical."

Feig has been outspoken in his support for Blake, and at the premiere, he opened up about why he’s been so vocal.

He told Variety, “She’s amazing. This is my second movie with Blake. I love working with her. She’s the most amazing collaborator. So smart. She and Anna are two of the smartest actors that I’ve ever worked with, who just like to get in there… Every movie star has opinions on what they’re doing. I have not worked with one who doesn’t want to get in there and work on stuff and make it better with me. That’s our process, so I love that Blake works that way and Anna works that way. It’s the only way to work.”

When Anna was asked about how the release of the movie was affected by everything going on, she dodged the question, quipping “Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone."

Feig also shut down rumors of a feud between the ladies, addressing reports they never want to work together again by saying, “You’re wrong.”

Aside from SXSW, “Another Simple Favor” is planned to premiere in L.A. and New York City, so all eyes will be on if Blake attends those too!

“Another Simple Favor” debuts May 1 on Amazon Prime. 

Last month, Blake stepped out publicly for the first time since accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, which he has denied. 

Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds were surprise attendees of “SNL50,” even walking the red carpet and doing a bit during the show that subtly spoofed their legal woes with Baldoni.

In December, Lively initially filed a legal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department claiming Baldoni sexually harassed her on set. She also accused him of a smear campaign in a New York Times article. In return, he sued The New York Times, which denied any wrongdoing. 

Lively then sued Baldoni, and he sued her back. Both parties have also denied any wrongdoing.