A judge has unsealed several text messages and emails related to the ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. On August 14, Judge Lewis J. Liman directed that previously redacted exhibits from Lively’s motion to compel be made public, shedding new light on communications between Baldoni and his associates.
This unsealing provides crucial insight into the tense and complex interactions underpinning the Blake Lively legal battle updates surrounding allegations and counterclaims between the two actors.
Details Revealed in Text Exchanges and Emails
The released documents include a text conversation where Justin Baldoni shared a screenshot of an Instagram profile with his publicist, identifying it as a likely fake account trolling Blake Lively. The publicist confirmed it was “100 percent” not linked to anyone on Baldoni’s team. Other messages between Baldoni and his PR representatives reveal concerns about privacy when Baldoni and his wife, Emily, were unexpectedly photographed during an outing near Los Angeles. Baldoni’s surprise over not noticing any cameras highlights the constant scrutiny surrounding his public appearances.
In addition to texts, court records show that Wayfarer Studios, co-founded by Baldoni, secured the support of Street Relations for communication and consulting services, paying $30,000 over three months. A message from Baldoni’s business partner, Jamey Heath, mentioned hiring a crisis management team with reported costs reaching $9 million, reflecting the high stakes of the legal conflict. One text read,
“Just have to manage every land mine so it doesn’t go off,”
continuing,
“And there’s just so much to it.”
—Jamey Heath, Business Partner
Background of the Legal Dispute Between Lively and Baldoni
The legal dispute began in December 2024 after Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment, fostering a hostile work environment, and conducting a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied these allegations firmly and filed a countersuit. Although Baldoni’s claims were dismissed in June, Lively’s lawsuit is still active and set to proceed to trial in March 2026.
Recently, Lively was deposed by Baldoni’s legal team in New York City. Despite redactions in the transcript, she stated she believes the smear campaign against her has persisted. Lively’s spokesperson commented on the deposition, saying,
“We are very pleased with the outcome of her deposition, and now look forward to deposing Justin Baldoni and each of the codefendants in short order.”
—Spokesperson for Blake Lively
They further clarified,
“Deposition testimony is confidential for good reason — it’s evidence in a legal proceeding and is subject to objections and evidentiary rules. Juries aren’t just handed deposition transcripts to read at home, and instead they listen to testimony that is presented at trial under a judge’s supervision.”
—Spokesperson for Blake Lively
Implications of the Newly Unsealed Evidence
The unsealed texts and emails confirm the extensive efforts on both sides to manage public perception and legal strategy amid serious allegations. The involvement of high-cost crisis management and PR teams underscores how intense and costly the dispute has become. As the trial approaches in March 2026, the released communications may influence how the case unfolds in court and inform public understanding of the conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
With the ongoing scrutiny, this case remains a cautionary example of how public figures navigate legal battles in the spotlight, balancing personal reputation, legal defenses, and media presence simultaneously.
