Criticism Levied Towards Justin Baldoni's Legal Team for Potentially Stirring a Public Disturbance via Blake Lively's Deposition
In a recent turn of events, the ongoing legal battle between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken an unexpected turn. The U.S. District Court has granted a motion to strike Blake Lively's deposition transcript from the court record, sealing the testimony from public access [1].
The court's decision comes amidst accusations that Baldoni's legal team may have used the deposition for their own public-relations purposes and invited a 'public scandal' [1]. The Wayfarer Parties, which include Baldoni, are accused of attaching a nearly 300-page deposition, citing only two pages in the letter, serving no proper litigation purpose [2].
The controversy began when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and for allegedly coordinating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni, in response, filed multiple lawsuits against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy [3].
The court order, published by The Independent, suggests that the Wayfarer Parties may have used the deposition for their own public-relations purposes [1]. However, Baldoni's legal team denies the claims of leaking the deposition information [4].
Blake Lively's deposition was given on Thursday 31 July 2025. Her lawyers requested for the court to strike a 292-page draft of her deposition transcript from the court record, citing that the attachment of the deposition was intended to burden Lively and invite public speculation and scandal [2].
The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni is scheduled for trial in March 2026 [1]. In December 2024, Lively filed a federal lawsuit against Justin Baldoni following the release of their film "It Ends With Us." The court denied a gag order against Baldoni, and his defamation lawsuits were dismissed in June 2025. Baldoni has since filed a $400 million countersuit, which has since been dismissed [4].
As both parties continue to face off in court, the public scrutiny and allegations of inappropriate actions add another layer to the already complex legal dispute.
[1] The Independent, "Court orders sealing of Blake Lively's deposition transcript in legal dispute with Justin Baldoni," 2025. [2] Variety, "Blake Lively's lawyers request court to strike deposition transcript from record," 2025. [3] Deadline, "Justin Baldoni Sues Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Their Publicist for Extortion, Defamation, and Invasion of Privacy," 2024. [4] The Hollywood Reporter, "Justin Baldoni Denies Allegations, Files $400 Million Countersuit Against Blake Lively," 2025.
- The ongoing legal battle between celebrities Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, deeply rooted in accusations of sexual harassment and defamation, has become a hot topic in pop-culture and entertainment, inviting intense public scrutiny.
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