Blake Lively has been granted a modified protective order against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. The legal battle between the two continues as Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, considers their next move. During a recent podcast, Baldoni’s attorney discussed the possibility of a settlement but seemed to suggest Baldoni is prepared to fight until the end. Lively, 37, previously filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, who also directed the film. In response, Baldoni, 41, filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her publicist, and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. He also sued The New York Times for $250 million over its reporting on Lively’s claims. Both parties deny each other’s allegations.
Baldoni’s Lawyer Dismisses Settlement Talks and Calls for Trial
During The Town podcast, Freedman was asked if Baldoni would consider settling. The host, Matthew Belloni, suggested that avoiding a trial would be in both parties’ best interests. He argued that dragging out the lawsuit could bring unwanted publicity. Freedman, however, rejected the idea that this case was just a media spectacle. He insisted that Baldoni had suffered greatly and that the only way to clear his name was in court. According to him, the legal process is necessary to prove Baldoni’s innocence. He also defended Baldoni’s controversial decision to launch a website sharing legal documents related to the case. Freedman claimed these documents were already public and that the website was simply making them easier to access.
Lively Claims Other Women Were Uncomfortable on Set
In a new development, Lively updated her lawsuit. She now claims she was not the only woman on set who felt uncomfortable around Baldoni. Her legal team says that others have supported her allegations but are afraid to speak out publicly. Lively’s lawyers argue that the new filing provides additional evidence, including private communications with Sony Pictures and Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios. They also claim that Lively raised concerns about Baldoni’s behavior as early as 2023, refuting claims that her lawsuit is part of a personal vendetta.
Baldoni’s Team Calls Lively’s New Complaint Weak
Baldoni’s lawyer, Freedman, dismissed Lively’s amended lawsuit. He said it is full of hearsay and lacks substantial evidence. He also accused Lively and Reynolds of making light of the situation. The couple recently joked about the lawsuit during the SNL50 anniversary special. Some audience members reportedly found their humor inappropriate. Baldoni’s team criticized the joke, saying no one whose spouse had been harassed would treat the matter lightly.
Despite the mounting legal drama, both sides appear determined to continue the fight. Lively’s legal team is now working to collect more evidence. They have subpoenaed phone records to uncover what they believe is a campaign against Lively. Baldoni’s attorneys, however, argue that the subpoenas go too far. The case remains ongoing, with no resolution in sight.
