Los Angeles, California — Actress Blake Lively is set to testify in her upcoming trial against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in the film “It Ends with Us.” Lively’s lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed her plans to take the stand during a recent interview, asserting that her testimony will be central to presenting her case.
Gottlieb emphasized the significance of Lively’s testimony, stating, “The ultimate moment for a plaintiff’s story to be told is at trial.” Speculation about Lively’s involvement surged after her emotional speech at the TIME100 Gala in April, during which she shared personal experiences, hinting at the challenges she faced over the past two years. Gottlieb noted that Lively will not be the only one providing testimony, with other witnesses expected to recount relevant misconduct that allegedly occurred during filming.
Both parties are currently engaged in the discovery phase, where they will interrogate involved individuals. Gottlieb indicated that their case would rely not just on witness accounts but also on supporting evidence, which includes documents and statements from production companies involved in the film.
Amid the unfolding legal drama, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has publicly countered claims made by Lively’s team, suggesting that they are attempting to distract from the factual elements of the case. Freedman maintained that transparency would prevail, bolstered by unedited receipts and footage. He further asserted that the court case is about more than just Lively’s allegations; it is about overall misconduct that may have occurred.
The legal battle has also seen Ryan Reynolds, who is named as a defendant in Baldoni’s counterclaim, potentially offering testimony. Lively’s legal team is working to dismiss those claims, labeling them as frivolous. There remains uncertainty over whether Reynolds will take the stand.
In a controversial turn, Baldoni’s team has hinted at the possibility of subpoenaing high-profile figures such as Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman. Gottlieb challenged the relevance of bringing these celebrities into the case, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the alleged sexual harassment claims at hand. He expressed concerns about the courtroom being treated as a media spectacle and asserted a desire to keep the proceedings professional.
Lively’s legal troubles began in December 2024 when she filed a complaint alleging harassment and a subsequent smear campaign against her, targeting the film’s production company and several individuals. Baldoni responded with a $400 million countersuit, accusing Lively and others of defamation and civil extortion, claims that her legal team has described as baseless.
As the legal proceedings move forward, both sides are preparing for the scheduled trial, which is set to commence in March 2026.
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