Blake Lively has been granted a protective order as part of her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, just days before her scheduled deposition. On July 14, 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled in favor of Lively’s request for protections to control the attendance and logistics of the deposition set for July 17. The order aims to prevent potential disruptions and harassment during the proceeding.
This legal development comes amid escalating tensions in the highly publicized dispute between the actress and director, which involves serious allegations and counterclaims. The focus keyword “Blake Lively legal battle deposition” is central to the unfolding courtroom events.
Details of the Protective Order and Deposition Arrangements
Under the new protective order, Lively is required to provide opposing counsel with a dedicated computer and facilities necessary to print and copy documents in the location she selects for the deposition. Justin Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios must inform Lively of all individuals who will be present at the deposition at least two days in advance.
Lively’s legal team explained in court filings that these measures respond to past refusals by Baldoni’s representatives to honor reasonable cooperation requests. Concerns were raised about the possible presence of unknown attendees, including media figures or social media influencers, which could transform the deposition into a public spectacle rather than a legal process.
Defendants have not denied that their intent is to manufacture a harassing publicity stunt by requiring Ms. Lively to parade through paparazzi, or by inviting unknown attendees to the deposition, including members of the media or social media influencers, or any other number of abusive tactics.
—Blake Lively’s legal team
Despite Ms. Lively’s repeated efforts to confer, Defendants have refused to address these concerns and have responded only with their insistence that they alone control all logistics and security issues.
—Blake Lively’s legal team
Opposition from Justin Baldoni’s Legal Counsel
In response to Lively’s motion for the protective order, Baldoni’s legal team filed opposition on July 13, rejecting claims of malicious intent. They criticized the motion as unfounded and lacking factual support, arguing that the accusations about a “publicity stunt” were baseless.
Lively relies solely on inapplicable authority and unsupported accusations about opposing counsel and their motives. Lively does not present a single fact to support her allegations of a ‘plot’ to use the deposition as a ‘publicity stunt.’
—Justin Baldoni’s attorneys
The defense also accused Lively of leveraging her celebrity status to shape public perception. They highlighted a New York Times article that detailed Lively’s allegations against Baldoni as part of a smear campaign narrative.
It is ironic that Lively alleges that the Wayfarer Parties are trying to ‘generate press interest’ in her deposition given that she tirelessly ensured that The New York Times widely publicized her allegations and that her ‘representatives’ provided a self-serving quote to the media about the Motion. Although Lively’s foot-stomping and use of her celebrity status may have enabled her to seize control of the film, which is the crux of this dispute, her counsel’s tantrum has no place in this Court.
—Justin Baldoni’s attorneys
Background of the Legal Battle Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
The conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has intensified over the past several months, stemming from allegations Lively filed in December 2024. Initially, Lively lodged a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) accusing Baldoni and his company Wayfarer Studios of sexual harassment and retaliation connected to the 2024 film production of It Ends With Us. She alleged that Baldoni and others engaged in unprofessional and inappropriate behavior on set that created a hostile environment.
The complaint named multiple individuals associated with Wayfarer, including CEO Jamey Heath, cofounder Steve Sarowitz, publicist Jennifer Abel, crisis communications specialist Melissa Nathan, and additional contractors. Lively’s filing outlined claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, negligence, emotional distress, breach of contract, and privacy violations.
Blake Lively alleges that Baldoni and his associates embarked on a sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation for her raising concerns about misconduct on set, with cast and crew experiencing invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior.
—California Civil Rights Department complaint
New York Times Investigates and Publishes on the Alleged Retaliatory Campaign
The day after the CRD complaint was filed, The New York Times published an exposé detailing the alleged smear campaign against Lively, citing internal messages and court documents. The report included text messages from Baldoni and his team, shedding light on the aggressive tactics purportedly used to undermine Lively.
I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct, and helps protect others who may be targeted.
—Blake Lively, in an interview with The New York Times
Justin Baldoni’s Legal Defense and Denial of Allegations
Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman responded sharply to the allegations, describing them as false and motivated by a desire to repair Lively’s public image. Freedman asserted that the claims lacked basis and accused Lively and her representatives of orchestrating a fabricated narrative.
It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation.
—Bryan Freedman, attorney for Justin Baldoni
Freedman defended Wayfarer’s public relations activities as routine and reactive, denying any proactive retaliation or smear campaign, and emphasizing standard crisis management practices.
Impact on Baldoni’s Career: Talent Agency Severance
Following the New York Times report, talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) ended its representation of Justin Baldoni. The move was confirmed by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel. Despite speculation, the agency denied any pressure from Ryan Reynolds or Blake Lively in making this decision.
In Baldoni’s filing there is a claim that Reynolds pressured Baldoni’s agent at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere. This is not true. Baldoni’s former representative was not at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client.
—WME statement
Support from Co-Stars and Industry Figures
Several cast members and colleagues expressed solidarity with Blake Lively following her allegations. Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends With Us, praised Lively on social media for her honesty and kindness. Actress Jenny Slate, a friend and co-star, publicly backed Lively, condemning the attack on her reputation as disturbing and threatening.
As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation. Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her. What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.
—Jenny Slate, actress
Other prominent figures from Lively’s past projects, including America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn, also stood with her publicly.
Podcast Co-Host Leaves Amid Controversy
On December 23, 2024, Liz Plank, who co-hosted The Man Enough Podcast alongside Baldoni and Heath, announced her departure. Although she did not specify the reasons, her exit followed closely on the heels of Lively’s allegations.
I’m writing to you today to let you know that I have had my representatives inform Wayfarer that I will no longer be co-hosting The Man Enough podcast. Thank you for trusting me with your hearts and stories, for holding space for mine, and for making this show what it was. I will miss you, the listeners, so much. I love what this community created together with every fiber of my being, and that’s because of you.
—Liz Plank, author and former podcast co-host
Plank reaffirmed her commitment to calling out injustice and supporting those holding wrongdoers accountable as she processed recent events.
Additional Legal Challenges: Publicist’s Lawsuit Against Baldoni and Associates
Stephanie Jones, a former publicist for Baldoni, filed a lawsuit against him and multiple associates, including Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, alleging conspiracy to attack her professionally and breach contracts. According to the lawsuit, Jones was wrongfully blamed for a smear campaign she had no knowledge of or involvement in, which was allegedly orchestrated by Abel, Nathan, and Wayfarer.
Defendants Abel and Nathan secretly conspired for months to publicly and privately attack Jones and Jonesworks, to breach multiple contracts and induce contractual breaches, and to steal clients and business prospects. Behind Jones’s back, they secretly coordinated with Baldoni and Wayfarer to implement an aggressive media smear campaign against Baldoni’s film co-star, and then used the crisis as an opportunity to drive a wedge between Jones and Baldoni, and to publicly pin blame for this smear campaign on Jones—when Jones had no knowledge or involvement in it.
—Stephanie Jones’s lawsuit
Mutual Lawsuits Filed by Both Parties in New York Courts
On December 31, 2024, both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, along with their respective associates, initiated suits against one another. Lively’s complaint reiterated her accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation, while Baldoni and Wayfarer countersued The New York Times for defamation, asserting their innocence in the alleged smear campaign.
Despite its claim to have ‘reviewed these along with other documents,’ the Times relied almost entirely on Lively’s unverified and self-serving narrative, lifting it nearly verbatim while disregarding an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives. It was Lively, not Plaintiffs, who engaged in a calculated smear campaign.
—Baldoni’s lawsuit against The New York Times
Lively’s legal team publicly rejected claims that their filings were a ruse, stressing that her federal lawsuit substantiates her allegations against Baldoni and Wayfarer.
This lawsuit is based on the obviously false premise that Ms. Lively’s administrative complaint against Wayfarer and others was a ruse based on a choice ‘not to file a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer,’ and that ‘litigation was never her ultimate goal.’ As demonstrated by the federal complaint filed by Ms. Lively earlier today, that frame of reference for the Wayfarer lawsuit is false.
—Blake Lively’s attorneys
Baldoni’s Legal Team Signals Further Litigation Against Lively
Following these filings, Justin Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman expressed intentions to pursue additional legal actions against Blake Lively.
There are other bad actors involved, and make no mistake—this will not be the last lawsuit.
—Legal documents filed on behalf of Baldoni and associates
In a January 2025 NBC News interview, Freedman confirmed their plan to sue Lively, signaling prolonged litigation ahead.
Public Backlash and Social Media Reactions: Discussions Involving Ryan Reynolds and Hollywood
Social media speculation linked Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, to recent developments, including rumors that his film Deadpool & Wolverine mocked Baldoni through a character named Nicepool. Reynolds has not publicly commented on these rumors, but Freedman condemned such mockery.
What I make of that is that if your wife is sexually harassed, you don’t make fun of Justin Baldoni. You don’t make fun of the situation. You take it very seriously. You file HR complaints. You raise the issue and you follow a legal process. What you don’t do is mock the person and turn it into a joke.
—Bryan Freedman
Meanwhile, Lively’s lawyers emphasized that her federal case contains serious, substantiated claims, condemning recent attacks against her as attempts to discredit the allegations through victim-blaming tactics.
Ms. Lively’s federal litigation before the Southern District of New York involves serious claims of sexual harassment and retaliation, backed by concrete facts. This is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation. As alleged in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and as we will prove in litigation, Wayfarer and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set. And their response to the lawsuit has been to launch more attacks against Ms. Lively since her filing.
—Blake Lively’s legal team
While we go through the legal process, we urge everyone to remember that sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry. A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct. Media statements are not a defense.
—Blake Lively’s legal team
Release of Behind-the-Scenes Footage Fuels Dispute Over On-Set Behavior
In January 2025, Baldoni’s attorneys released behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of It Ends With Us to dispute Lively’s description of on-set conduct. They claimed the footage showed mutual professionalism and respect during a key romantic scene.
The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another. Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism.
—Baldoni’s legal counsel
Conversely, Lively’s legal team maintained that the video supported her claims, stating the moments were improvised without her consent and highlighted her discomfort.
The video shows Ms. Lively leaning away and repeatedly asking for the characters to just talk. Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort.
—Blake Lively’s attorneys
Ongoing Legal Maneuvers: Gag Order Request and Voice Memo Revelation
On January 22, 2025, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds asked the presiding judge to impose a gag order on Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lead attorney, to prevent inappropriate public statements during the active litigation.
Shortly thereafter, a lengthy voice memo allegedly recorded by Baldoni in the early morning hours during production was released publicly. The recording referenced discussions about a rewritten rooftop scene and mentioned a collaboration between Lively, Reynolds, and pop star Taylor Swift.
We should all have friends like that aside from the fact that they’re two of the most creative people on the planet. The three of you guys together, it’s unbelievable.
—Justin Baldoni, voice memo
In the message, Baldoni appeared to apologize for his initial reaction to Lively’s script changes.
I f–ked up. One thing you should know about me is that I will admit and apologize when I fail.
—Justin Baldoni, voice memo
Trial Date Set for March 2026
A formal court trial date between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was scheduled for March 9, 2026, signaling the next significant phase in their drawn-out legal conflict.
Lawsuit Against The New York Times Expands Amid Media Scrutiny
On January 31, 2025, Baldoni’s legal team amended their existing $400 million defamation lawsuit to include The New York Times alongside other defendants in federal court. The amendment accused the newspaper of bias and misrepresentation, alleging the outlet selectively reported messages to fit Lively’s narrative.
The filing alleges that the newspaper ‘cherry picked’ and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead.
—Lawsuit filed by Baldoni’s team
New Website Launches Detailing Baldoni’s Legal Claims
On February 2, 2025, Baldoni’s team launched a website providing access to legal documents and a detailed timeline of events, including purported screenshots of text exchanges between Lively, Reynolds, and Baldoni. The site aims to promote transparency from their perspective ahead of ongoing litigation.
We want the truth to be out there. We want the documents to be out there. We want people to make their determination based on receipts.
—Bryan Freedman, in a January NBC News interview
Lively Files Amended Complaint Revealing Other On-Set Witnesses
Later in February 2025, Lively’s attorneys submitted an amended complaint revealing that two additional women who worked on It Ends With Us reported discomfort with Baldoni’s conduct. The complaint asserted that Baldoni acknowledged these complaints at the time but failed to adequately address them.
Ms. Lively was not alone in complaining about Mr. Baldoni. The experiences of Ms. Lively and others were documented at the time they occurred starting in May of 2023. Importantly, and contrary to the entire narrative Defendants have invented, Mr. Baldoni acknowledged the complaints in writing at the time. He knew that women other than Ms. Lively also were uncomfortable and had complained about his behavior.
—Amended complaint filed by Blake Lively’s attorneys
Due to concerns about safety amid ongoing retaliation, the two witnesses remain unnamed but are poised to testify in court. Baldoni’s legal team criticized the amended filing as based on unsubstantial hearsay and noted the witnesses’ unwillingness to support Lively publicly.
Publicist Leslie Sloane Seeks to Exit Litigation
After being accused by Baldoni of spreading damaging stories in coordination with Lively’s team, publicist Leslie Sloane filed a motion asking to be removed from the lawsuit. Her attorney claimed there was no valid basis for the allegations and asserted she was unjustly drawn into the case as a distraction tactic.
Blake Lively Brings Former CIA Deputy Chief of Staff Into Legal Strategy
In February 2025, Lively’s legal team enlisted Nick Shapiro, a former Deputy Chief of Staff at the CIA, to advise on communication strategies related to the ongoing litigation. His experience includes senior roles in global security and crisis management at major corporations before founding his consultancy.
Lively brought onboard CIA’s former Deputy Chief of Staff Nick Shapiro to advise on the legal communications strategy for the ongoing sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit occurring in the Southern District of New York.
—Member of Lively’s litigation team
The New York Times Seeks Dismissal and Discovery Stay Granted
Also in late February 2025, The New York Times filed a motion to dismiss itself from the sprawling lawsuit involving Lively, Baldoni, and others. They argued the newspaper was wrongly implicated and should not be part of the dispute. Subsequently, Judge Liman granted a stay on all discovery requests related to the Times while his court reviews the dismissal motion.
We appreciate the court’s decision today, which recognizes the important First Amendment values at stake here. The court has stopped Mr. Baldoni from burdening The Times with discovery requests in a case that should never have been brought against.
—The New York Times spokesperson
Attempt to Subpoena Taylor Swift Draws Rebuttal
In May 2025, Baldoni’s legal team sought to subpoena Taylor Swift, alleging she was involved in creative decisions regarding It Ends With Us. Swift’s representative denied the claims, stating she did not participate in any film production activities beyond licensing one song, and condemned the subpoena as a publicity stunt.
Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie. She was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, she did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film. The connection Taylor had to this film was permitting the use of one song, ‘My Tears Ricochet,’ Given that her involvement was licensing a song for the film, which 19 other artists also did, this document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift’s name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case.
—Taylor Swift’s spokesperson
The subpoena request was withdrawn later that month.
Dismissal of Baldoni’s Countersuit Against Lively and Reynolds
In June 2025, a judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Leslie Sloane, finding insufficient evidence that they had defamed Baldoni. The court also dismissed Baldoni’s case against The New York Times.
Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.
—Blake Lively on Instagram after dismissal
Baldoni’s legal representative criticized Lively’s statement as false and reaffirmed the defense’s position that the harassment claims lack merit.
This case is about false accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation and a nonexistent smear campaign, which Ms. Lively’s own team conveniently describes as ‘untraceable’ because they cannot prove what never happened.
—Baldoni’s attorney
Reactions to Baldoni’s Alleged Conduct Continue to Shape Public Perception
The dispute remains highly contentious and closely followed, impacting reputations, careers, and public opinion. The prolonged litigation and media coverage underscore the challenges survivors face when confronting high-profile harassment cases, while also spotlighting how power dynamics and celebrity status influence legal conflicts in the entertainment industry.
The protective order granted to Blake Lively ahead of her deposition is a critical step in ensuring the legal process proceeds with necessary safeguards. As the March 2026 trial date approaches, both parties are expected to intensify their legal strategies and public messaging.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Blake Lively a Nepo baby?
A. She might not show off her Hollywood background, but it’s definitely part of her story. While she didn’t become famous as a child star, her path to success wasn’t entirely by chance.
Q. Why are Taylor Swift and Blake Lively fighting?
A. Blake Lively is accused of pressuring Taylor Swift during a legal fight with Justin Baldoni. Lively and Baldoni have been in a legal dispute since working together on “It Ends With Us.” In a recent court document, Baldoni claims Lively tried to force Swift to show public support for her.
Q. Why did Taylor Swift unfriend Blake Lively?
A. Blake Lively and Taylor Swift, who used to be very close, are rumored to have drifted apart. Sources say Lively is no longer part of Swift’s close group of friends. This is believed to be due to a disagreement about Lively’s legal issues with co-star Justin Baldoni.
Q. Why did Taylor Swift distance herself from Blake Lively?
A. Taylor Swift is said to be pulling away from her close friend Blake Lively. This is happening while Blake is involved in a legal fight with Justin Baldoni. Blake and Justin, both actors in ‘It Ends With Us,’ are in conflict after Blake claimed Justin sexually harassed her and made the workplace hostile.
