Justin Baldoni’s lawyer has revealed that his client is “devastated” financially and emotionally due to ongoing lawsuits with It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively.
The pre-trial conference, held on February 3, saw a discussion over Lively’s request for a gag order amidst the legal battles. According to Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, his clients have suffered significant financial and emotional damages.
Freedman stated that once someone makes a statement in these cases, it becomes fact, making it difficult to fight against it. This comes after Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign during the film’s production and promotion.
Baldoni countered with his own $400 million lawsuit, alleging civil extortion, defamation, and other claims against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicists. He also sued The New York Times over an article reporting on Lively’s complaint.
In her statement to the Times in December 2023, Lively expressed hope that her legal action would help protect others who may be targeted for speaking up about misconduct. Her lawyers have stated that they are pleased with the result of the hearing and look forward to moving forward with discovery in the case.
The Lively v. Wayfarer Studios et al. case is scheduled to proceed to trial in March 2026, with New York Judge Lewis Liman warning both sides against making statements to the press that could influence a jury.
Source: https://people.com/justin-baldoni-devastated-blake-lively-battle-lawyer-says-8785286