Blake Lively Faces Legal Setbacks in Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni

A judge challenges Lively’s bid for document confidentiality as both sides escalate their legal and public relations strategies.

Blake Lively’s request for an 'attorneys’ eyes only' confidentiality order on case documents was met with skepticism by Judge Lewis J. Liman, who emphasized the public interest in legal transparency.
Justin Baldoni’s legal team argued against the confidentiality request, highlighting inconsistencies in Lively’s approach, including prior demands for Baldoni’s phone records.
The legal dispute began with Lively’s December 2024 sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, which he countered with a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist.
Public sentiment appears divided, with many fans expressing skepticism about Lively’s claims, while Baldoni’s team has gained support following allegations of a smear campaign by Lively’s side.
Lively has enlisted former CIA deputy chief of staff Nick Shapiro for crisis PR, a move criticized as ironic given her past critiques of Baldoni’s use of similar experts.