Judge Issues Stern Warning In Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
Attorneys for Blake Lively and It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni faced off in federal court on Monday over the ongoing legal saga surrounding the actress’s accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation during the film’s production. Neither Lively nor Baldoni appeared in court, but their legal teams were present for a pre-trial conference before Judge Lewis Liman.
The Judge’s Warning and the Case’s Impact
During the session, Judge Liman cautioned both parties about making public statements that could influence the proceedings. He warned that if the case is litigated in the media, he has the authority to accelerate the trial, which is currently scheduled for March 2026. Both sides emphasized the toll this case has taken on their clients.
“My clients are devastated financially and emotionally,” Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman said, stressing that his clients had suffered “hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.” He expressed a desire to move the case forward swiftly for the sake of his clients’ future livelihoods.
Press play below to listen to The Vault Podcast break down Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle.
On the other side, Lively’s attorney Michael Gottlieb addressed what he called a “retaliation campaign” launched by Baldoni’s team. “You’re not supposed to launch attacks on the other party’s character,” Gottlieb stated. He indicated that Lively’s team intends to file an amended complaint by February 14, which will include new claims and possibly additional defendants.
Lively’s Team Optimistic About Case Progression
Following the hearing, Lively’s attorneys, Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s ruling and said they were eager to proceed with discovery in the case. “The Court granted our request that all attorneys in the matter actually follow the rule of law and not make any statements that could prejudice a jury,” they said. They added that the case, which involves serious allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, will hold the defendants accountable, and they are confident that Lively will prevail once all evidence is submitted.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni began in December when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of It Ends With Us. Lively filed her complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, and soon after, a civil lawsuit was initiated. Baldoni, who has denied the accusations, filed a lawsuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, claiming civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
Lively’s team has referred to Baldoni’s lawsuit as part of the “abuser playbook,” accusing him of attempting to deflect attention from his alleged harassment by turning the tables on Lively. “This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim,” Lively’s lawyers stated.
The Film’s Production and Controversy
It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was released in August 2024 and grossed over $148 million domestically. The film, which addresses issues of domestic violence, featured Lively and Baldoni in prominent roles. The two actors have both provided text messages and other evidence in their respective lawsuits to support their claims. Baldoni’s team also released video footage from their time working together, and Baldoni published a website with documents related to the case.
Both sides have aired grievances, with Baldoni accusing Lively of attempting to take control of the film’s creative direction, including allegedly having her husband, Reynolds, rewrite parts of the script. Baldoni’s suit includes a text exchange where Lively allegedly asked him to make changes to the script and a mention of Taylor Swift in relation to the project, though it remains unclear if Swift was directly involved.
A Public Feud Between Lively and Baldoni’s Teams
While the legal filings continue, much of the dispute has played out in the public eye, with both Lively and Baldoni’s representatives publicly sparring over the information shared in the media. Lively’s team has accused Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, of making selective and misleading statements, leading to calls for a hearing to address what they called “inappropriate conduct” in the case.
At Monday’s hearing, Gottlieb raised concerns about the publication of evidence and court filings that might sway public opinion before a jury hears the case. He expressed the difficulty of reversing the damage once information has been made public, citing the growing influence of media on legal cases. Freedman, in response, suggested that Lively’s team had also used the press strategically, pointing out the damage that could be done even before a trial begins.
Looking Ahead
As the case continues, both sides are preparing for what promises to be a lengthy and complex legal battle. With tensions running high and both parties determined to protect their reputations, the saga between Lively and Baldoni is far from over.
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