Justin Baldoni stunned many by appearing in person at Blake Lively’s deposition in New York, as their legal wrangle intensifies.
Baldoni, aged 41, faced Blake Lively, 37, as his lawyers questioned her at her legal team’s office.
JUSTIN BALDONI VS BLAKE LIVELY
The courtroom drama has captivated not just Hollywood but the world. Conversations about workplace rights and legal protection have been resonating strongly.
The legal battle centres on Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against Baldoni. Justin Baldoni was her director and co-star in the film It Ends With Us.
Baldoni has firmly denied the claims, according to People.
JUSTIN BALDONI WANTS TO BE VINDICATED
Justin Baldoni’s physical presence at the deposition defied many expectations. Traditionally, parties refrain from attending such depositions in person.
Bryan Freedman, Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, previously said, “He wants to be vindicated, and that’s all that he cares about.”
“Baldoni knows who he is, what he’s done, what he hasn’t done. He wants the truth to come out, and he’s waiting for his day in court.”
Judge Lewis J. Liman has strictly regulated the legal process by issuing a protective order. This allowed Lively’s lawyers control over the location and notification of those present for the deposition.
BLAKE LIVELY’S STATEMENT
In a powerful statement after the dismissal of Baldoni’s counterclaims, Blake Lively stated: “Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit. This includes the manufactured shame that tries to break us.
I am more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman’s right to have a voice in protecting themselves, including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story.”
Baldoni’s countersuits include allegations of extortion and defamation against Blake Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds.
A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively in June 2025.
The court rejected his claims of extortion and defamation, ruling that Lively’s actions constituted permissible negotiation rather than wrongful extortion.
TRAIL DATE
A judge has set the trial for March 2026, and both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively will testify.
Freedman summarised his approach: “I’m going to ask her questions under penalty of perjury. She’ll have to provide evidence and the truth.
We’re going to see how consistent her testimony is with the facts of what transpired.”
ASSERTING THEIR RIGHTS
The case remains a stark reminder of both the challenges faced by women in asserting their rights and the importance of due legal process.
As anticipation builds for the trial, one reality remains clear: both sides are preparing for a battle where the truth and public vindication are at stake.
DO YOU THINK ATTENDING A DEPOSITION IN PERSON HELPS OR HURTS A LEGAL CASE?
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