Blake Lively Forges Ahead With Extensive Trial Strategy Despite Legal Setbacks
Blake Lively is refusing to scale back her legal case against Justin Baldoni, even after a federal judge dismissed the majority of her most serious allegations last week. According to Baldoni's legal team, the actress intends to produce a staggering 41 witnesses at trial and has compiled an exhibit list containing 1,000 items, with dozens more being added.
Judge's Ruling Narrows Case Scope Significantly
This aggressive approach persists despite a ruling from Judge Lewis Liman on Thursday of last week, which determined that 10 out of Lively's 13 claims cannot proceed to trial. Notably, all allegations of sexual harassment on the set of the film It Ends With Us, which both starred in and Baldoni directed, were thrown out. The judge stated that only three claims will advance: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation, all of which Baldoni denies.
The legal skirmishing between the two sides intensifies in the final weeks before the blockbuster three-week trial is scheduled to commence at the federal court in New York on May 18. Lively originally filed her lawsuit in December 2024, asserting she suffered at least $161 million in damages due to Baldoni's alleged sexual harassment on set and a subsequent online smear campaign against her.
Witness List Dispute Highlights Pre-Trial Tensions
The conflict over witness disclosures erupted last week when Lively's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, accused Baldoni's lawyers of withholding information about which witnesses would testify and appear in person. Gottlieb contended that Baldoni was attempting to manufacture a strategic advantage by depriving Lively of crucial preparation details.
In response, Baldoni's lawyer, Ellyn Garofalo, filed a two-page letter expressing exasperation. She explained that their legal team required additional time to refine the witness list following the judge's ruling. However, just two days after the decision, Lively's team demanded they immediately disclose who would testify in person.
Garofalo noted, Plaintiff ignored her own witness list, which suffered from the same shortcomings she complains of. She further stated that Baldoni's lawyers attempted to clarify they were still assessing the impact of the court's ruling, assuring that deposition designations would be provided timely for dismissed defendants.
Lively's Extensive Evidence and Witness Plans
According to Garofalo, Lively has declined to substantially narrow her witness list of 41 individuals or her exhibit list of approximately 1,000 items. On Thursday alone, Lively indicated she was adding dozens of new exhibits. Garofalo's filing listed witnesses who will give evidence in person: Baldoni himself; Jamey Heath, the film's producer; and Melissa Nathan, the crisis PR hired to manage the film's fallout.
Heath is expected to face questions about allegedly walking into Lively's trailer while she was breastfeeding, a claim he denies. Nathan, who runs The Agency Group, will likely be questioned regarding whether she orchestrated the alleged smear campaign and texts where she boasted about being able to bury anyone.
The filing also revealed that some key figures will not appear in person, including Jen Abel, a PR representative for Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer, and Steve Sarowitz, Baldoni's billionaire friend who financed the film.
Judge Deems Witness Request Moot and Dismisses Baldoni's Counterclaim
Judge Liman subsequently filed an order stating that Lively's request to compel Baldoni's side to disclose witness details, including in-person appearances, is now moot. In a separate development, Baldoni had filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times, which the judge dismissed in its entirety.
Lively, married to actor and Wrexham football club joint chairman Ryan Reynolds, continues to press forward with a full court press. Despite Baldoni securing a major victory with the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims, the actress remains determined to present her case with an extensive array of witnesses and evidence as the trial date approaches.
