The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a dramatic turn as both sides continue to exchange heated accusations.
Bryan Freedman, the lawyer representing Baldoni, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Lively.
He accused the actress of manipulating the legal system in an attempt to have a countersuit against her dismissed.
According to Freedman, Lively’s recent motion to throw out Baldoni’s claims was an abuse of the legal process and showed a blatant disregard for the rules that protect innocent parties.
Accusations and Counterclaims
The controversy began after Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment during the production of their movie It Ends with Us.
In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit in January 2025, accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane of defamation and extortion.
While Lively’s legal team continues to stand firm on their allegations, Baldoni has denied the claims, asserting that the actress has twisted the facts to further her own narrative.
The Alleged Manipulation of the Legal System
Freedman condemned Lively for trying to use her privileged status to manipulate the legal system.
He labeled her motion to dismiss the countersuit as an example of how powerful elites often twist the law to suit their needs.
Baldoni’s lawyer vowed to continue holding Lively accountable for what he called her malicious actions, which include falsely accusing Baldoni of harassment and retaliation.
Freedman added that the actress’s claims would soon be debunked as the discovery phase of the case unfolded, promising evidence that would disprove Lively’s version of events.
Lively’s Defense and Legal Motions
Lively’s legal team, led by Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, argued that the lawsuit against her was without merit and that it violated California law, which now protects victims who speak out against sexual harassment.
In their response, Lively’s attorneys pointed out several legal obstacles to Baldoni’s claims, including privileges related to litigation and sexual harassment cases.
They also claimed that the lawsuit was retaliatory in nature and would have serious consequences for those pursuing it, especially considering the mandatory fee-shifting provisions in California law.
Public and Legal Struggles Continue
Despite the ongoing litigation, Lively and Baldoni’s dispute has spilled over into the public eye.
Baldoni’s legal team raised concerns over Lively’s public statements and leaks of confidential information, suggesting that she was trying to use media coverage to sway public opinion.
Additionally, Baldoni’s lawyers argued that Lively had already publicly detailed her allegations in a lengthy amended complaint, making her request for more privacy in legal proceedings unnecessary and inconsistent with her actions.
Safety and Protection Concerns for Lively
Amid the public controversy, Lively’s legal team also petitioned for enhanced protection, citing violent threats against Lively, her family, and other individuals supporting her claims.
These threats included disturbing messages aimed at a witness who had spoken out in her favor.
Her attorneys argued that the release of certain materials in the case could lead to further harassment or intimidation of witnesses, putting people’s safety at risk.
Sony’s Role and Interventions
The dispute has also attracted attention from the production side, with Sony’s involvement coming into play.
According to reports, Sony had to step in to mediate between the two stars as tensions rose on the set of It Ends with Us.
The studio reportedly focused on maintaining Lively’s morale due to her star power, even though Baldoni was the director.
This has led to claims that Sony favored Lively over Baldoni, especially as her image was crucial for marketing the film.
The Growing Legal Saga
As the legal drama continues to unfold, Baldoni’s team has gone public with private communications, including text messages exchanged with Lively and Reynolds, further fueling the public spectacle.
These documents, which are now part of court filings, are being used to support Baldoni’s claims that Lively, Reynolds, and their team undermined his direction of the film.
The conflict has escalated to the point where it is now being played out in a courtroom, with a trial scheduled for March 9, 2026.
The Impact on the Film’s Legacy
The lawsuit has had a lasting impact on the film’s legacy. It Ends with Us, which was a box-office hit, grossing over $350 million globally, has now become the center of a highly publicized and contentious legal battle.
The lawsuit, and the media attention surrounding it, has overshadowed the film’s success, turning what was meant to be a celebrated project into a cautionary tale about power struggles in Hollywood.
A Story of Two Stars, Two Worlds
In addition to the ongoing legal disputes, the case highlights a larger narrative about power, influence, and accountability in Hollywood.
Lively and Baldoni, both major figures in the industry, find themselves in a complex and increasingly bitter public feud that could change the way such disputes are handled in the future.
As their legal battle drags on, the drama surrounding It Ends with Us continues to captivate audiences and media outlets alike, leaving many to wonder how this story will ultimately unfold.