Latest news with #Sarowitz
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Steve Sarowitz shuts down Wayfarer Foundation amid Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni legal battle
In a stunning development, billionaire philanthropist Steve Sarowitz has abruptly closed the Wayfarer Foundation , a major charitable organization that had given nearly $60 million to over 200 nonprofits, after a series of escalating personal threats tied to a high-profile lawsuit involving Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni . The closure, which took place at the end of June 2025, left many nonprofits scrambling and shocked the philanthropic world. The decision came after Sarowitz received an anonymous threat referencing the Lively-Baldoni legal dispute and targeting his family's safety, prompting him to move his giving to a more private, less transparent donor-advised fund. In April 2025, the Wayfarer Foundation was thriving. Sarowitz and his team were hiring new staff, planning major events, and expressing optimism about the foundation's future. 'We're in a period of profound growth. The Foundation is committed to its mission,' Sarowitz told grantees. However, on April 28, a small fire broke out at Sarowitz's Chicago-area home. Later that same day, he received an anonymous threat demanding $80,000 and referencing his daughter, a student at Northwestern University. The threat specifically cited allegations from a lawsuit filed by Blake Lively against Sarowitz, Baldoni, and Wayfarer Studios. As the threats escalated over the week, Sarowitz and the board made the unanimous decision to shut down the foundation. Grantees were informed that existing commitments would be honored, but no public explanation was initially given. Lively vs. Baldoni & Sarowitz The legal troubles began in December 2024, when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment by Justin Baldoni during the filming of 'It Ends with Us' and accused Sarowitz of funding a retaliatory smear campaign. Both Baldoni and Sarowitz denied the allegations, and a defamation countersuit was dismissed in June 2025. The threats against Sarowitz's family referenced these legal battles, adding a layer of personal risk to the already intense public scrutiny and making the situation even more volatile. The foundation's impact: Since its launch in 2021, the Wayfarer Foundation made a significant impact in the nonprofit sector. In its first year, it awarded $9.5 million in grants to 49 organizations, focusing on social justice and marginalized groups. The following year, it distributed $9.6 million to 107 grantees, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and racial justice. By 2023, the foundation's grantmaking peaked at $19 million, supporting 153 organizations—78% of which were BIPOC-led. In total, the foundation gave out nearly $60 million to over 200 organizations, providing multi-year, flexible funding. As of 2022, the foundation's assets stood at $89.6 million, with Sarowitz contributing approximately $160 million of his own fortune. Sarowitz explained that his decision to close the foundation was driven by a desire for privacy and safety. He opted to shift his giving to a donor-advised fund (DAF), which allows for greater anonymity and less public disclosure. 'DAFs can be more flexible and allow us to move more money with fewer resources,' Sarowitz told Forbes. The abrupt closure left many nonprofits in a difficult position, with some organizations in the midst of renewal talks suddenly facing uncertainty about future support. Live Events The closure of the Wayfarer Foundation has had a profound impact on the nonprofit community. Christopher LeMark, CEO of Coffee, Hip Hop & Health, expressed his shock, saying, 'I was shocked when I heard the news. It's hard to put into words how much they were doing for us.' Isha Miller, Executive Director of Chocolate Milk, shared her concerns: 'We'd just started the conversation for renewed funding. Now, everything is up in the air.' Mary Carl, Executive Director of Miracle Messages, highlighted the broader implications, stating, 'Wayfarer was a model for effective philanthropy. Its closure is a huge blow to small nonprofits.' Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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.
