Inside Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Legal Battle: Deposition Drama, Media Leaks, and a Looming Trial

The legal showdown between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni took a dramatic turn last week, as the two faced off during a tense deposition that has since become the focus of legal and media attention. The deposition, tied to allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation surrounding the film It Ends With Us, has triggered a flurry of filings, leaks, and public scrutiny—revealing just how contentious this Hollywood courtroom clash has become.

A Deposition Gone Sideways

Held on July 31, the high-profile deposition saw Lively and Baldoni sitting across the table from each other in what sources describe as a heated legal exchange. While details of Lively’s testimony were meant to be confidential, a 292-page transcript was rushed to the public docket by Baldoni’s legal team—with only two pages cited in their arguments. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Lively’s lawyers, who argue it was an attempt to manipulate public perception rather than serve any legal purpose.

In a strongly worded letter to Judge Lewis Liman, attorney Esra Hudson accused Baldoni’s team of engaging in a “counsel-as-PR agent” strategy, exploiting the court process to advance a media narrative against Lively.

Media Leaks & Accusations of Smear Campaigns

Hudson’s letter alleges that Team Baldoni immediately leaked deposition details to tabloid media, including what Lively was wearing, who accompanied her (including husband Ryan Reynolds), and the timeline of the meeting. Outlets like TMZ and Daily Mail picked up the story within hours—further fueling Lively’s claim that the defense is playing to the press as much as to the judge.

Moreover, Lively’s team accuses the defendants of creating a false image: suggesting Lively needed a large entourage to testify, while minimizing the presence of Baldoni’s sizable support team, including eight attorneys and several top-level executives.

Legal Landscape Ahead

While Baldoni’s ambitious $400 million countersuit was dismissed in June, the broader case continues. Lively’s trial is currently set to begin on March 9, 2026, promising more revelations. Meanwhile, a parallel legal battle involving Baldoni’s backers and insurance providers plays out in California and federal court, focusing on who foots the bill for legal fees.

This lawsuit has become a media spectacle, with both sides engaging in aggressive tactics—from exclusive leaks to public jabs. Attorney Bryan Freedman, known for his tough legal approach and media presence, has drawn the lion’s share of attention and criticism.

What’s Next?

As this high-stakes case moves forward, more legal fireworks are expected. Judge Liman, who has expressed frustration over public theatrics in the past, may soon have to weigh in on whether to permanently seal deposition transcripts to prevent further media exploitation.

For now, both parties are remaining silent, a rare moment of calm in what has otherwise been a high-volume, high-profile legal brawl.