The ongoing legal clash between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, sparked by allegations of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us, is heating up with no resolution in sight. Experts predict the conflict will only grow more intense as both sides press forward with their claims.
What’s at Stake for Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?
This legal battle has already taken a dramatic turn. Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of the movie, and she claims he retaliated by launching a smear campaign against her. In her lawsuit, she also names two associates from Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer. To counter her allegations, Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit, claiming that Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist were behind a scheme to ruin his reputation and the movie’s promotion.
Legal Experts Weigh In: It’s Going to Get Worse
Gregory Doll, a Los Angeles-based legal expert at Doll Amir & Eley, explains that the case is only going to become more contentious as both sides dig into their claims. “This case is already contentious, and it’s only going to get more heated,” Doll told People. “It’s going to be emotionally taxing and financially draining for both of them.” Doll, who is not involved in the case, predicts a long and tough road ahead with a complex legal process.
Justin Baldoni’s Footage Release Sparks Further Controversy
As the legal battle continues, Baldoni’s team made a controversial move by releasing raw, unedited footage from the set of It Ends With Us. The intention was clear: to discredit Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment. But Lively’s legal team argues that the footage only backs her claims, showing moments where Baldoni’s behavior crossed boundaries, including unwanted physical advances. Lively’s lawyers dismissed Baldoni’s release as a “stunt,” accusing him of attempting to manipulate public opinion rather than provide solid evidence.
What’s Next for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
Both sides are preparing for a pre-trial conference on February 12, where they’ll outline their plans for the discovery process, propose trial dates, and discuss gathering evidence and witnesses. Legal expert Doll suggests that while a trial seems likely, most civil cases settle before ever reaching court. “Settling is the most likely outcome, especially after the discovery process,” Doll said. “However, there’s always a small chance this could go to trial.”
The public—and those involved—will be watching closely as the case develops, with no clear resolution yet in sight.
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