Trial Showdown: Blake Lively Stands up Against Justin Baldoni
Actress Blake Lively set to provide evidence against Justin Baldoni.
In an upcoming courtroom face-off, "Gossip Girl" alum Blake Lively will take the stand to testify against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni in a highly publicized trial. Lively's lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed her participation during an interview with US magazine "People", stressing her pivotal role as a witness.
According to Gottlieb, additional witnesses may also weigh in, providing valuable insights into the alleged misconduct on set. He highlighted these individuals' testimonies as crucial to corroborating Lively's claims.
The anticipation surrounding Lively's involvement in the trial escalated in late April following her emotional speech at the Time100 Gala. She hinted at the case by revealing, "There's so much to say about the last two years of my life."
A-List Witnesses on the Horizon?
The fate of Ryan Reynolds, Lively's husband, serving as a witness remains uncertain. Current legal proceedings include Reynolds as a defendant in Baldoni's countersuit, but Lively's team is working diligently to dismiss these claims, citing them as unfounded.
Lawyers for both sides have made suggestions about additional high-profile witnesses. For instance, Baldoni's legal team has proposed the subpoena of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman, a notion that Lively's attorney, Gottlieb, finds unnecessary.
"These stars' involvement is questionable in relation to the core case, which revolves around the sexual harassment allegations Lively reported on set," Gottlieb declared. "The proposition seems to divert attention away from the crucial issues at hand."
A Battle for Truth and Reputation
The legal spat between the "It Ends with Us" co-stars stems from the filming of the movie in 2024, released in August of the same year. In December, Lively filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, alleging sexual harassment and a subsequent smear campaign against her. The suit was filed against Wayfarer Studios and several production individuals.
Baldoni denied the accusations and retaliated with a $400 million defamation lawsuit, accusing Lively, Reynolds, and their representatives of libel and civil extortion. Lively's lawyers have dismissed these claims as baseless.
The much-hyped trial, which will not be broadcast on TV, is set to begin in March 2026. However, some media outlets will have access to audio recordings.
Sources: ntv.de, lpe/spot
- Trials
- Hollywood
- Sexual Harassment
- In the highly publicized trial between Blake Lively and her co-star Justin Baldoni, Lively announced she would not be able to do this, referring to her participation as a witness.
- Justin Baldoni's legal team proposed the subpoena of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman, but Lively's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, finds their involvement unnecessary, as they are questionable in relation to the core case.
- The trial between the "It Ends with Us" co-stars, set to begin in March 2026, will not be broadcast on TV, but some media outlets will have access to audio recordings.
- In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and a subsequent smear campaign against her, leading to a defamation lawsuit from Baldoni.
