The legal showdown between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken another sharp turn, with Lively’s attorneys now accusing Baldoni’s legal team of stepping well outside acceptable courtroom conduct.
The actress’s lawyers are asking a federal judge to intervene, claiming that what was supposed to be routine discovery instead crossed personal and professional lines.
Lawyers Ask Judge to Rein in Deposition Conduct
In a letter dated December 19 and sent to U.S. District Court Judge Lewis J. Liman, Lively’s legal team requested sanctions against Baldoni’s attorneys.
The filing argues that repeated behavior during depositions amounted to misconduct serious enough to warrant court action.
The letter, later reviewed by People, paints a picture of depositions that quickly went off the rails, according to Lively’s side.
Claims of Inappropriate and Personal Questioning
At the center of the complaint are allegations that Baldoni’s attorneys questioned Lively about her sexual and romantic past.
Her legal team says those topics have nothing to do with the claims being litigated and should never have been raised.
They argue such questioning was not only irrelevant but also inappropriate, particularly in a case involving allegations of sexual misconduct.
Accusations of Disrespectful Behavior on the Record
Beyond the content of the questions, Lively’s lawyers also take issue with how Baldoni’s legal team conducted themselves during depositions.
In a supporting exhibit, they describe what they call a “basic lack of decorum,” alleging frequent speaking objections, constant interruptions, and behavior they say demeaned witnesses while the record was rolling.
Attorney Michael J. Gottlieb did not mince words, writing that multiple defense lawyers repeatedly inserted themselves into depositions they were not defending, using valuable time to lecture and belittle rather than clarify.
Warnings Were Issued, Attorneys Say
According to the filing, this wasn’t the first time concerns were raised.
Lively’s lawyers say they previously warned Baldoni’s team to stop what they viewed as unprofessional tactics.
A September 29 letter referenced in the court documents specifically objected to any examination touching on Lively’s sexual or romantic history, drawing a firm boundary and stating that such questioning would not be tolerated.
Legal Protections Cited in the Filing
The motion argues that questions about Lively’s sexual history are barred under established legal protections, including rape shield laws designed to prevent exactly this kind of inquiry.
Her attorneys maintain that those rules exist to keep trials focused on facts, not personal history that could unfairly prejudice a jury.
Push for a Do-Over Deposition and Fee Reimbursement
In addition to sanctions, Lively’s legal team is asking the court to require one of Baldoni’s expert witnesses to return for another deposition.
They claim the original session was effectively undermined because Baldoni’s attorneys interfered with what should have been a fair examination.
They’re also seeking reimbursement for the costs associated with conducting that supplemental deposition.
Trial Date Remains on the Calendar
Despite the growing list of disputes, the case is still on track to head to trial on May 18, 2026.
Representatives for both Lively and Baldoni have been contacted for comment, but neither side has publicly responded as of now.
How the Lawsuit Began
The current battle stems from a lawsuit Lively filed in December of last year, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
In her complaint, she alleged multiple forms of misconduct, including body shaming, and claimed Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign meant to damage her public image.
A Web of Defendants and Counterclaims
Lively’s lawsuit also named several of Baldoni’s associates, including his company Wayfarer Studios, its CEO and financial backer, and public relations figures Nathan and Abel.
Baldoni, for his part, pushed back aggressively.
He initially sought $250 million in damages from The New York Times over its reporting on the dispute, later folding those claims into a $400 million lawsuit filed in January.
That suit named Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane, but it was dismissed by the court in June.
Where Things Stand Now
Every party involved has denied the allegations made against them.
For now, the focus shifts back to Judge Liman, who will decide whether the conduct described by Lively’s attorneys warrants sanctions—and whether this already heated case is about to get even more contentious.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn