Lawyers representing Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni clashed in a Manhattan federal court during the first hearing related to allegations surrounding their film, It Ends With Us. The legal drama unfolded after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and initiating a smear campaign against her back in December. In retaliation, Baldoni has filed his own lawsuit, alleging defamation and other claims.
While neither actor was present during the hour-and-a-half hearing, heated arguments erupted as both sides accused each other of tarnishing their respective reputations in the media. Lively's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, urged the court for a resolution within the courtroom rather than through public statements, claiming Baldoni’s legal team had made inflammatory comments to the press. Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, countered, asserting that a gag order was inappropriate and emphasized the emotional and financial toll on his client.
The courtroom drama intensified as Judge Lewis Liman warned that a media circus surrounding the case could lead to potential prejudice, hinting that a March 2026 trial date might be moved up if public sentiment was swayed. The judge mentioned the importance of adhering to the New York Bar Association's Rule 3.6, which discourages public commentary that could affect trial outcomes.
The hearing followed Baldoni's recent expanded complaint, which included a comprehensive timeline of events and a newly launched website featuring documents related to the disputes. In a twist, Lively's team raised concerns about the website's funding and origins. As both sides prepare for further legal maneuvers, Lively’s team indicated that they would also file an amended complaint involving additional parties implicated in the ongoing saga.
Baldoni's legal challenges extend beyond Lively, as he has initiated a separate lawsuit against the New York Times, alleging libel over claims that Lively tipped off the publication regarding her civil rights complaint. The Times has firmly refuted these allegations. As high-profile names and PR firms get caught up in this legal fallout, Judge Liman underscored the need for a protective order to safeguard those involved, given the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Both parties are keen to expedite the process, with Baldoni's lawyer emphasizing the desire to resolve the matter swiftly. The judge assured that a jury would ultimately address the issues at stake, signaling that the courtroom battles are far from over.
