Blake Lively is requesting a heightened protective order due to allegedly receiving violent messages and threats following her accusations of sexual harassment against Justin Baldoni. However, Baldoni’s legal team claims she has already “publicized” the allegations in the media, including releasing confidential administrative complaints and making public statements about the incident.
In a letter filed with the court, Lively’s lawyers cited examples such as the actor providing details of the alleged harassment to the California Civil Rights Department and her PR team making statements to the media to rehabilitate her image. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s team emphasizes that they approve of the proposed protective order but believe having sensitive information kept private is “not warranted” given Lively’s public claims.
The request comes after Lively subpoenaed Baldoni’s phone records, sparking a back-and-forth over the scope of the requests. The situation has led to allegations of witness intimidation and a potential climate of fear for those supporting Lively.
Lively initially filed a complaint against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath in December, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and other forms of misconduct. Baldoni has denied these claims, stating they are an attempt to repair his reputation after the movie’s press tour.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/justin-baldoni-calls-out-blake-lively-demanding-privacy-after-publicizing-sexual-harassment-allegations